Boy, 13, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after double stabbing at school

Counter-Terror Police Lead Probe After Double Stabbing at London School

Police are continuing to question a 13-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted murder following a double stabbing at a northwest London school.

Two boys, aged 12 and 13, remain in hospital in a serious condition after the attack at Kingsbury High School in Brent on Tuesday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the school at about 12.40pm following reports of a stabbing. Officers launched a search after it was established that the suspect had left the scene.

A 13-year-old boy was arrested shortly after 6pm. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a weapon was recovered and the suspect remains in custody.

The investigation is being led by counter-terrorism officers, although police have not declared the incident a terrorist attack. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said officers are “keeping an open mind as to any motivation behind the attack”.

One of the injured boys was taken to a major trauma centre “as a priority”, according to the London Ambulance Service.

A parent, Simon Theodorou, told The Telegraph the attacker allegedly gained access to the school by climbing over a wall.

School Response

In a letter to parents, head teacher Alex Thomas described the incident as a “deeply traumatic event for the whole school community.”

The lower school will remain closed on Wednesday. Some pupils were kept at the school for more than three hours after lessons ended to assist police with inquiries, with some seen leaving in tears.

According to the latest Department for Education data, Kingsbury High School has 1,997 pupils.

Political Reaction

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the attack as “shocking” and urged the public to give police “space to pursue their investigation.”

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said her “heart goes out to the families affected” and confirmed the government is supporting the school.

Local MP Bob Blackman and London Mayor Sadiq Khan also expressed shock at the incident. The mayor urged anyone with information to come forward, adding: “There is no honour in staying silent.”

Police have appealed for witnesses or anyone with relevant information to contact them as investigations continue.