Counter-terrorism unit leads inquiry into stabbing of two boys at north London school | UK news
A police counter-terrorism unit was leading an investigation into the stabbing of two boys, aged 13 and 12, at a school in north-west London on Tuesday night.
Police were called to Kingsbury High School in Brent on Tuesday afternoon following reports that a 13-year-old boy had been stabbed. When they arrived at the scene, officers found that a 12-year-old boy had also been stabbed.
Police said a 13-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
DCS Luke Williams, head of policing in north-west London, said both injured children were in a serious condition and police were awaiting further information.
He said: “The thoughts of everyone at the Met are with them and their loved ones, and we would like to thank the doctors and nurses who provided emergency care to the children.”
Williams said the investigation was being conducted by counterterrorism officers working with local police.
He said: “Following an immediate investigation, our officers arrested him. [the boy] A gun that we believe was used in the stabbing was also seized.
“The suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and is being detained for questioning by our police officers.”
He said police are not currently interested in any other suspects in the case.
“This has not currently been declared a terrorist incident and the investigation team will now work rapidly to gather any evidence as soon as possible and establish the full circumstances of what happened.”
A police van was seen blocking the entrance to Kingsbury High School’s lower school after the incident.
More than three hours after the end of the school day, students, some in tears, continued to be talked to by police officers in one of the school halls Tuesday evening.
The father of an 8th grade student who was detained by police as a potential witness said that the children were “traumatized by what happened in front of their eyes.”
The school’s headteacher, Alex Thomas, described the incident as a “deeply traumatic event for the entire school community” in a letter to parents and carers in which he confirmed that two pupils had been stabbed.
He said: “Our thoughts and best wishes are with our students and their families at this incredibly difficult time.
“We would also like to thank the emergency services for their rapid response and our staff for their calm and dedicated support of students throughout the day.
“The primary school students were kept in the playground at the request of the police while they began their investigations, they were incredibly patient and respectful of others during this time.”
He said the lower school would be closed on Wednesday and advised students to stay home. The upper school will be open to students in grades 10-13.
“The situation is under control, but a live investigation is ongoing. We are working closely with authorities and will provide further updates as soon as I am able to share verified information. Please keep the students and their families in mind.”
Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood said her thoughts and prayers were with the two children who were stabbed.
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Education Minister Bridget Phillipson said she was “heartbroken” by the stabbings and said her team was in contact with the school and Brent council to offer support.
“My heart goes out to the families, young people, teachers and school community affected at this terrible time,” he wrote of X.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan urged anyone with information about the stabbings to contact police and said there was “no honor in remaining silent”.
He said in a statement: “My thoughts are with the family, friends and wider community in Brent following today’s horrific stabbings. This horrific violence has absolutely no place in our city.”
“I am in close contact with the Met as they investigate this horrific incident. The investigation is still in its early stages and it is true that police are investigating every possible element.”
Harrow East MP Bob Blackman said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the stabbing. In his post about X, Blackman said: “Two boys have been stabbed and my thoughts are with them, their families and the entire school community.
“I would like to thank emergency services for their quick and professional response. I know this will come as a shock to our local community and I am in close contact with the police and will continue to receive updates as they work to keep everyone safe.”
Brent council leader Mohammed Butt described the incident as “extremely shocking and distressing” and thanked emergency services and school staff for their “swift response”.
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with those injured, their families and the entire school community.”
A spokesman for the London ambulance service said: “We sent resources to the scene including ambulance crews, incident response officers, advanced paramedic, a paramedic from our tactical response unit and a clinical team manager. We also sent the trauma team in a car from the London air ambulance.”
