Teachers in school shooting died trying to protect pupils

POLICE have praised the "selfless courage" of three young teachers who died in the German school massacre trying to save their pupils.

The women were not much older than their charges when 17-year-old Tim Kretschmer opened fire at the school in Winnenden, southern Germany, on Wednesday, killing nine children. Police believe the teachers - Michaela K, 26, Nina M, 24, and Meike S, identified by German authorities only by their first names and last initial - tried to block his way to the classrooms.

A 14-year-old pupil also told how Meike, found dead in the chemistry lab, had stood between him and the gunman to take a bullet.

A police spokesman said: "These women were very brave and displayed a selfless courage in trying to protect the children."