Former footballer Paddy Kenny has said he 'can't believe what this country is coming to' after police turned up to a gathering for murdered schoolboy Harvey Willgoose and 'demanded an event certificate'.

The Halifax-born goalkeeper, who has played for Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield United, shared his thoughts on social media at the Hog's Head pub in Hackenthorpe, South Yorkshire.

It comes as friends and family of the tragic teenager – who was stabbed to death on his lunch break by another pupil – had organised the get-together in memory of the late 15-year-old.

Stalls at the pub included cakes and crafts, jewellery, hook a duck, inflatable axe-throwing and face painting.

However, Mr Kenny on Sunday vented his anger on X – claiming police 'turned up asking for an event certificate'.

It is understood police have denied asking for an 'events certificate' and that the intervention formed part of a routine courtesy visit which is 'standard practice on bank holiday evenings'.

But Mr Kenny explained: 'So I'm just here, at the Harvey Fest. And it's a massive thing for Harvey Willgoose... his mum and dad have put on outside.

'And look at this – police have turned up asking for an event certificate. What the f*** has this world come to.'

He continued: 'Unf***ing believeable. I can't catch my f***ing breath.'

Two large banners with 'forever 15' on them were unfurled outside the pub to mark the occasion, The Sheffield Star reports.

The event – dubbed Harvey Fest – was intended to raise money for a youth club to give children a space to come together and be themselves.

It follows Harvey's death on February 3 last year following the attack at All Saints Catholic High School.

Despite efforts to save the teenager, he was later confirmed to have died from his injuries shortly before 4pm.

South Yorkshire Police said another boy, also 15, had been arrested on suspicion of murder.

He was named in October as Mohammed Umar Khan.

Khan was sentenced to a minimum of 16 years behind bars after a trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

The fundraiser on Sunday took place following permission from the manager of the Hog's Head to hold the event in Harvey's memory – which may now become an annual occurrence. 

Speaking about the event, she told The Sheffield Star: 'Harvey loved everyone getting together – festivals, music, drink – even though he only ever had lemonade.

'And Harvey's Hub is just trying to get somewhere for kids to socialise again, somewhere for kids to go – we need to get our kids socialising.

'We get a lot from this, today we're up there but tomorrow when we're finished we'll be down here. Things like this keep us going.'

The Prime Minister, who was at a dinner with EU leaders in Brussels, said at the time of Harvey's death: 'It is horrific and senseless news that a boy has died after a stabbing in Sheffield.

'I am deeply grateful to the first responders, the police officers and the medical staff who are offering support and reassurance.

'My heart goes out to the family and loved ones of the boy, the staff and students at the school and the entire community of Sheffield.

'They are grieving the needless loss of a young life and the nation mourns with them.

'Our schools should be places of safety and learning, not violence and fear. My Government is absolutely committed to tackling knife crime so young people are safe on our streets and in our schools.'

Mr Kenny has since offered ongoing support to Harvey's family – last month headlining a special 'Evening With' fundraising night for a youth club initiative, Harvey's Hub, in Beighton, Sheffield.

Commenting under his video today, one person said: 'This is disgraceful and so disrespectful. Police ought to be ashamed.'

Another joked: 'Good news that all other crime in the area is cleared up so they have time for this nonsense.'

But a third alleged: 'Terrible what happened to the boy but if the organisers didn’t do due diligence that’s on them not the police.'

South Yorkshire Police and Paddy Kenny have been contacted for comment.