A 13-year-old suspect stabbed two schoolboys at Kingsbury High School in north-west London during Tuesday's lunch break, leaving both victims seriously injured. The attack has triggered a counter-terrorism police investigation, though authorities have not declared it a terrorist incident. The suspect, believed to be a former pupil, allegedly disguised himself in the school's uniform to gain entry.
Police arrested the teenager on suspicion of attempted murder and recovered the weapon used in the attack. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said the suspect "left the scene following the stabbing" before officers tracked him down. He remains in custody for questioning.
The victims, aged 12 and 13, are in serious condition. One of the boys pulled the fire alarm to alert teachers to the attack, according to Simon Theodorou, a parent who spoke to the Telegraph.
Counter-terrorism investigation
Williams explained that counter-terrorism policing London now leads the investigation "due to the surrounding circumstances," working with local officers. He stressed at Kingsbury High School on Tuesday: «The investigation has not currently been declared a terrorist incident, and the investigation team will now be working at pace to gather any evidence and to establish the full circumstances of what's happened as quickly as possible.»
Police are «keeping an open mind as to any motivation behind the attack,» Williams said.
Entry and response
The suspect "managed to get his way in by climbing over a wall," Theodorou told the Telegraph. Investigators believe the teenager used the school uniform as a disguise to blend in with students.
Headteacher Alex Thomas described the incident in a letter to parents and carers as «a deeply traumatic event for the whole school community.» The lower school closed on Wednesday while the upper school remained open for Years 10 to 13. Kingsbury High School serves 1,997 pupils aged 11 to 18.
Political reaction
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it «an appalling attack» during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the violence as a «shocking attack,» while Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said she was «heartbroken.»
Schools minister Georgia Gould indicated the government might consider strengthening school security measures but ruled out metal detectors.
Community impact
Pupils were interviewed by police for over three hours after school ended on Tuesday, with some seen leaving in tears. Janti Kalyan, whose two grandchildren attend the school, said: «My grandchildren are traumatised.»
Brent Council leader Muhammed Butt thanked emergency services and school staff for their «swift response.» He added: «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.»
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan condemned the violence and urged public cooperation with police: «This awful violence has absolutely no place in our city.» He called on witnesses: «There is no honour in staying silent.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
