Boy suspected of stabbing at Brent school is a ‘former pupil who disguised himself in uniform’
The 13-year-old, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two children were stabbed at a school in London, was allegedly a former student wearing a uniform.
The Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism unit is investigating after two boys, aged 12 and 13, were injured at Kingsbury High School in Brent at around 12.40pm on Tuesday.
In an update on Wednesday, Detective Superintendent Helen Flanagan said the victims were in a stable condition in hospital and their injuries – although serious – were “thankfully not life-threatening”.
Police said the suspect fled the scene and was later arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He remains in custody while police officers try to determine the motive for the attack.
On Wednesday, the grandfather of two students at the school said they believed the suspected attacker was a former student.
Janti Kalyan, 60, added that her grandchildren said the attacker was wearing a school uniform. He continued: “My grandchildren are traumatized.”
Sir Keir Starmer described the stabbing as a “horrible attack” during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday.
Schools minister Georgia Gould told Sky News the government might consider increasing security in schools following the stabbing but ruled out installing metal detectors.
Reports say the attacker “climbed over the wall” to enter the school, and one of the victims pulled the fire alarm, alerting teachers to the attack.
At lunchtime on Wednesday, Det Chf Supt Flanagan said: “This remains a fast-moving investigation and officers from London Counter Terrorism Police continue to investigate the circumstances.
“I can now confirm that the two victims’ injuries, although serious, are not life-threatening and they remain in a stable condition and remain in hospital.
“Our thoughts are with them and their loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. Specialist officers are providing support to their families.
“Patrols have been increased to reassure the local community that they will continue today. If you have concerns we would ask you to speak to officers; they are there to help and will remain in the area to offer support and answer any questions.”
In a letter to parents and carers, the headteacher said the incident was a “deeply traumatic event for the entire school community”.
Alex Thomas said: “I fully appreciate that this will be very sad news and as you can imagine this has been a deeply traumatic event for the whole school community.
“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 can share verified information.”
Mr Thomas said the lower school would be closed on Wednesday and students would have to stay at home, but the upper school would be open for grades 10-13. He said it will be open to students in classrooms.
Simon Theodorou, parent of a child at the school, said: Telegram It was stated that the attacker “managed to get in by climbing over the wall.”
He also praised the boy as a “hero”, claiming that one of the victims “pulled the fire alarm to call for help”.
After the end of the regular school day on Tuesday, police officers spoke with students in one of the school hallways for more than three hours and some were seen leaving the school in tears.
The father of one student said the children were “traumatised by what happened before their eyes”.
Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood said her thoughts and prayers were with the two children stabbed in the “shocking attack”.
Education Minister Bridget Phillipson said she was “heartbroken” by the stabbings.
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan called on anyone with information to contact the police, adding: “There is no honor in remaining silent.
“This horrific violence has absolutely no place in our city,” he said.
