In a deeply concerning development, a 13-year-old boy has been taken into custody under the suspicion of attempted murder following a violent incident at a school in north-west London. This alarming situation unfolded at Kingsbury High School around 12:40 GMT, where police were dispatched after receiving reports that a 13-year-old student had been stabbed. To make matters worse, authorities later discovered that a second victim, a 12-year-old boy, had also suffered stab wounds at the same location.
Both injured boys were promptly transported to hospital, with one being sent to a major trauma center as a priority due to the severity of their condition. Early indications suggest that their injuries are serious.
While the investigation is currently being led by counter-terror officers, the Metropolitan Police have clarified that it has not been classified as a terrorist act. This distinction is crucial as it implies a different focus for the investigation.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams reported that armed and local officers reached the scene within just 13 minutes of the emergency call. The suspected attacker, also believed to be 13 years old, fled the scene but was apprehended shortly thereafter. Authorities have also recovered a weapon thought to be involved in the stabbing.
Williams emphasized that there is no ongoing manhunt for additional suspects connected to this case. "This is a fast-moving and developing investigation," he stated during a press conference on Tuesday evening. He further noted, "At this very early stage, we are keeping an open mind regarding any motives for this attack. However, given the circumstances, Counter Terrorism Policing London has taken the lead while collaborating closely with local law enforcement."
Recognizing the distress caused by this incident, especially among the local community, students, and their parents, Williams assured that officers will remain present in the area to provide reassurance and answer any questions.
Meanwhile, pupils were seen leaving the school visibly shaken, with some in tears, as they interacted with law enforcement personnel. One father, whose child in Year 8 was kept at the school as a potential witness, expressed concern, stating, "They're holding up the kids who were in the class." He added, "Clearly, they must be traumatized by what unfolded in front of them."
Kingsbury High School’s head teacher, Alex Thomas, conveyed the severity of the situation in a letter addressed to parents and guardians. He described the incident as "a deeply traumatic event for the entire school community," expressing heartfelt condolences and support for the affected students and their families during this challenging time.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood shared her thoughts and prayers for the two victims via a post on social media platform X, labeling the attack at Kingsbury High School as shocking. "My thoughts and my prayers are with them, their families, and all those affected. I commend the police for their swift actions in arresting the suspect, and we must allow them the necessary space to conduct their investigation thoroughly."
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan took to social media to emphasize that "there is no honor in staying silent" and urged anyone with pertinent information to reach out to law enforcement. In his evening statement, he expressed sympathy for the families and community members in Brent following these appalling stabbings. He reassured the public that the Metropolitan Police have deployed extensive resources to the area and encouraged individuals with information to contact them.
Muhammed Butt, the leader of Brent Council, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the double stabbing was "deeply shocking and distressing." He articulated the universal parental fear for children's safety in schools and expressed horror at the notion that a young individual could possess such a dangerous weapon. Butt also extended gratitude to emergency services and school staff for their rapid response, promising the council’s unwavering support to those impacted by this tragic event.
Kingsbury High School functions as an academy serving students between the ages of 11 to 18, featuring both upper and lower campuses. Recent data from the Department for Education indicates that the school caters to approximately 1,997 pupils.
