Boy arrested for attempted murder after two pupils stabbed at school
A 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two boys were stabbed at a school in north-west London.
Officers were called to Kingsbury High School at about 12:40 GMT following reports a 13-year-old boy had been stabbed.
Police said they were later made aware that a second victim, a 12-year-old boy, had also been stabbed at the scene.
Both boys were taken to hospital, with one taken to a major trauma centre as a priority. Officers said they were both believed to be in a serious condition.
Counter-terror officers are leading the investigation but it has not been declared a terrorist incident, the Met Police said.
Weapon recovered
Det Ch Supt Luke Williams said armed and local officers were at the scene within 13 minutes of the 999 call.
He said the suspect, believed to be aged 13, left the scene following the stabbings but was later arrested.
Williams said a weapon believed to have been used in the attack had been recovered and the suspect remained in custody for questioning.
He told a press conference on Tuesday evening that officers were not looking for anyone else in connection with the stabbings.
“This is a fast-moving and developing investigation,” he said.
“At this very early stage, we are keeping an open mind as to any motivation behind this attack. However, due to the surrounding circumstances, the investigation is now being led by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London, who are working closely with our local officers in response to this incident.”
He added: “I absolutely recognise that this incident will cause considerable concern among the local community, students and parents. Our officers will remain in the area to offer support and answer any questions.”
Pupils, some of whom were in tears, and parents were still leaving the school on Tuesday evening after being spoken to by police.
One father, whose child in year eight was kept in the school as a potential witness, said: “They’re holding up the kids who were in the class.”
The man, who did not wish to be named, added: “Obviously, they must be traumatised by what happened in front of them.”
The head teacher of Kingsbury High School, Alex Thomas, said it had been “a deeply traumatic event for the whole school community”, in a letter to parents and carers.
“I am very sorry to inform you that there was a serious incident at school today in which two students were stabbed,” he said.
“Our thoughts and best wishes are with our students and their families at this incredibly difficult time.”
‘Deeply distressing’
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said her thoughts and prayers were with the two pupils.
She posted on X: “A shocking attack at Kingsbury High School, where two children have been stabbed.
“My thoughts and my prayers are with them, their families and all those affected.
“The police have arrested the suspect, and I would like to thank them for their rapid work in doing so. We must now give them the space to pursue their investigation.”
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said “there is no honour in staying silent” as he urged anyone with information to contact the police.
In the statement issued on Tuesday evening, Sir Sadiq said: “My thoughts are with the family, friends and wider community in Brent following the appalling stabbings today.”
He added: “The Met have deployed significant resources to the area and I urge anyone with information to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said the double stabbing was “deeply shocking and distressing”.
“No parent should ever have to fear for their child’s safety at school, and it is horrifying to think of how someone so young came to be in possession of a weapon capable of causing such harm,” he said.
The Labour councillor thanked the emergency services and school staff for their “swift response” and said the council would offer its “full and unlimited support” to those affected.
Kingsbury High School is an academy school serving children aged 11 to 18, with both upper and lower sites.
According to the latest Department for Education information, it has 1,997 pupils.