A 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two pupils were stabbed at Kingsbury High School in northwest London on Tuesday. The injured boys, aged 12 and 13, were taken to hospital where they remain in a serious condition as emergency services continue their investigation into the shocking assault.
Incident at School Grounds
Police were called to the Kingsbury High School site off Bacon Lane in Brent shortly after 12:40pm on Tuesday following reports that a pupil had been stabbed. When officers arrived, they found a second boy, aged 12, also suffering from stab wounds. Both were swiftly transported by the London Ambulance Service for urgent medical treatment, with one taken to a major trauma centre.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, leading the local Metropolitan Police response, confirmed that a 13-year-old boy was arrested several hours later on suspicion of attempted murder. A weapon believed to have been used in the attack was also recovered. The suspect remains in custody and is being questioned by officers, the police said.
Investigation Led by Counter-Terrorism Police
The Metropolitan Police said that, due to “surrounding circumstances”, the inquiry is being overseen by Counter Terrorism Policing London, even though the incident has not been classified as a terrorist act. Officers are working to gather evidence and understand the full circumstances of what took place.
Detectives stated they are keeping an open mind regarding motive, and are not currently seeking any further suspects in connection with the stabbing. Armed and local officers were reportedly on site within 13 minutes of the first 999 call.
School Response and Pupil Welfare
The headteacher of Kingsbury High School, Alex Thomas, described the events as a “deeply traumatic event for the whole school community” in a message to parents and carers. The school’s lower site was closed on Wednesday to allow for ongoing police activity and to support staff and pupils.
Some pupils were reportedly kept in school for several hours after lessons ended so that officers could take witness accounts, with some seen leaving in tears. Parents and carers have been contacted directly by the school and are being urged to support children through what remains a distressing time.
Official Reactions and Community Impact
Senior political figures have responded to the incident with messages of concern. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said her “thoughts and prayers” were with the families affected and thanked the police for their swift action. Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasising that violence of this nature has “no place in our city.”
The incident has also reignited broader concerns about youth knife crime and school safety. Knife-related assaults involving young people have been a persistent issue in parts of London and other UK cities, prompting calls from community leaders and educators for greater preventative measures.
National Context: Knife Crime and Schools
Knife crime in the UK has been a topic of ongoing public debate and policy focus. Law enforcement and local authorities have highlighted the need for early intervention strategies, community engagement, and targeted educational programmes to reduce youth involvement with weapons. Statistics show that violent incidents involving knives among teenagers have increased in recent years, particularly in urban areas, though there have been fluctuations over time. (Data from UK Home Office reports.)
Incidents in educational settings, while rare relative to wider trends tend to have a particularly strong impact on public perception of safety. Previous high-profile cases involving young perpetrators or victims have driven renewed discussions about mental health support, school security measures and social services involvement. (Historical cases reflect wider societal concerns over youth violence.)
Police and School Safety Measures
The Metropolitan Police have reiterated that detectives and specialist officers will continue to work closely with the school to ensure the safety of pupils and staff. Officers remain at the site to support community reassurance and respond to any concerns parents and residents may have. Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact them, either directly or anonymously via Crimestoppers, as part of ongoing enquiries.
Kingsbury High School, which serves students aged 11 to 18 in the Brent area of northwest London, has a long history in the community. Founded in the early 20th century, it is one of the larger secondary academies in the capital, with a substantial student population.
Support for Affected Families
Local support services, including child-focused charities and school welfare teams, have been mobilised to assist families affected by Tuesday’s events. Community leaders stress the importance of providing psychological and emotional support to children who witnessed the incident, as well as to the wider school community as they process what happened.
