Counter-Terrorism Police Take Charge of Investigation Into London School Stabbings
In a deeply distressing incident that has shaken a north-west London community, two young boys were stabbed at Kingsbury High School in Brent on Tuesday afternoon. The victims, aged just 12 and 13, were attacked during school hours, prompting a rapid response from emergency services and a significant police investigation.
Arrest and Ongoing Police Inquiry
A 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the violent altercation. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams confirmed that the suspect left the scene after the stabbing but was apprehended following urgent police inquiries. Officers also recovered a weapon believed to have been used in the attack.
The investigation is now being led by officers from counter-terrorism policing London, although authorities emphasize that the incident has not currently been declared a terrorist event. Detective Chief Superintendent Williams stated that police are "keeping an open mind as to any motivation behind the attack" but that "due to the surrounding circumstances" counter-terrorism specialists have taken charge of the probe.
School Community in Trauma
The headteacher of Kingsbury High School, Alex Thomas, described the stabbing as "a deeply traumatic event for the whole school community" in a letter to parents and carers. He acknowledged the upsetting nature of the news and confirmed that the situation is under control, though a live investigation continues.
Mr. Thomas announced that the Lower School would be closed on Wednesday, with students instructed to remain at home, while the Upper School would remain open for students in Years 10-13. On Tuesday evening, more than three hours after the normal school day concluded, pupils were still being interviewed by police officers in one of the school halls, with some seen leaving in tears.
Political Responses and Community Shock
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed her shock at the "shocking attack" and extended her thoughts and prayers to the injured children and their families. She thanked police for their rapid work in arresting the suspect and emphasized the need to allow investigators space to pursue their inquiry.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said she was "heartbroken" to hear about the stabbings and offered support to the school and local council. Harrow East MP Bob Blackman described himself as "deeply shocked and saddened" by the "dreadful news" and pledged to remain in close contact with police as they work to keep the community safe.
Brent Council leader Muhammed Butt thanked emergency services and school staff for their swift response, noting that "no parent should ever have to fear for their child's safety at school." He expressed particular horror that "someone so young came to be in possession of a weapon capable of causing such harm."
School Background and Ongoing Investigation
Kingsbury High School is an academy serving children aged 11 to 18, with both upper and lower sites. According to the latest Department for Education information, it has 1,997 pupils. The school traces its origins to Kingsbury County School, which opened in 1925 in a building that had previously housed the office of the former Aircraft Manufacturing Company.
Notable alumni include Wham's George Michael, jazz musician Courtney Pine, Floyd Steadman (the first black captain of the Saracens rugby team), and writer Ekow Eshun. The school community now faces the challenging task of recovery as police continue their investigation into this violent incident that has left two children in serious condition and a community grappling with questions about youth violence and school safety.
