A specialist counter-terrorism police unit is leading an investigation into the stabbing of two teenage boys at a secondary school in north-west London, it was confirmed tonight. Two teenagers, 13 and 12 years old, were attacked at Kingsbury High School in Brent, sparking a major emergency response and an arrest of a teenage suspect.
Suspect Arrested and Weapon Recovered
Police were summoned to the scene on Tuesday afternoon after reports emerged that a 13-year-old boy had been stabbed. When police arrived at the scene, they met their second victim, a 12-year-old boy. In addition, a 13-year-old boy was apprehended as a suspect for attempting to murder another person. Additionally, police recovered a weapon believed to have been used for the incident.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who is responsible for policing the area of north west London where the incident happened, said that the suspect is still in custody and is due to be questioned. No other suspects are wanted at the current time.
Victims in Serious Condition
DCS Williams confirmed that both boys were seriously injured and that the police were awaiting further updates on their medical status.
He added: “The Metropolitan Police Service’s thoughts are with the injured students and their families; we would like to express our gratitude to the medics who attended these students.”
Although counter-terrorism officers are investigating this case, Williams stressed that the incident has not been declared a terrorist attack. “Detectives are working quickly to identify the full circumstances surrounding the stabbing”.
School Community Traumatized by Violence
The stabbing caused shockwaves in Kingbury High School, as police cars were placed on the school grounds, interviewing students hours after the school day ended. The incident caused some pupils to cry, while some were traumatized by the incident they had witnessed. A parent of a Year 8 student explained that pupils were shocked by the violence they witnessed.
Headteacher Announces Partial School Closure
In a letter addressed to parents and carers of the students, the headteacher, Alex Thomas, described the event as a “deeply traumatic event” that affected the entire school community. Thomas confirmed that the students were stabbed and praised the efforts of the staff and the emergency service.
The lower school will still be closed on Wednesday, and the children are encouraged to stay at home. The upper school will still be opened for the older children. Thomas assured parents that the situation was under control and at the same time assured them of a live investigation.
Political Leaders Condemn the Attack
Senior political leaders were quick to express shock, as well as sympathy for the incident. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said that her “thoughts and prayers” were with the children who were injured in the incident. She further thanked the police for responding quickly to the incident. On the other hand, the Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson referred to the stabbing as heartbreaking, saying that the education department was working with local authorities towards supporting the children who were stabbed.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan denounced the violence and encouraged individuals who have information concerning the assault to come forward. According to Mayor Khan, there is no place for such an aggression in the city. MP Blackman and Brent council leader Muhammed Butt also took to their social media accounts to voice their anxiety and thanks to the emergency services and school workers.
Major Emergency Response Deployed
Multiple teams from the London Ambulance Service rushed to the location of the attack. These teams include ambulance crews, advanced paramedics, tactical response teams, and a trauma team from the London air ambulance service. The teams provide medical treatment to the attacked victims.
Authorities are looking to continue gathering evidence and witness statements as they try to establish the motive behind the attack. Even as counter-terrorism officials handle the investigation owing to the severity of the attack, authorities have not yet identified any motive and maintain that this is an early stage of investigation.
