Teenager Appears in Court Over Alleged School Stabbing Incident
A 13-year-old boy has been charged with attempted murder following a violent incident at a north London school, where he allegedly stabbed two pupils and sprayed ant spray in the face of a third child. The teenager, who cannot be named due to his age, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday, wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit.
Details of the Alleged Attacks
According to prosecutors, the incident occurred at Kingsbury High School in Brent, North London, on Tuesday. The court heard that the boy arrived at a classroom door just after midday, carrying ant spray and a kitchen knife. He allegedly sprayed the ant spray into one child's face before stabbing another boy in the classroom, with several children and a teacher present at the time.
Less than a minute later, the defendant went downstairs and stabbed a second child in the neck in a playground area, causing a 3cm wound. The first victim suffered three stab wounds, a spinal fracture, and injuries to the neck and hands that required surgery. While the conditions of the two alleged stabbing victims are not believed to be life-threatening, it remains unclear whether they will have life-changing consequences.
Court Proceedings and Charges
The teenager is accused of the attempted murder of two boys aged 12 and 13, unlawfully and maliciously administering a noxious substance to a third child, and possession of a knife on school premises without good reason or lawful authority. During the hearing, the defendant spoke quietly to confirm his name and date of birth, with two family members seated in front of the dock.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring remanded him into a youth detention facility, and he is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on 27 February. Prosecutor Kathryn Selby outlined the sequence of events, noting that the defendant remained at large for approximately three hours before being arrested near a mosque.
Police and Prosecution Statements
Temporary Commander Helen Flanagan, from Counter Terrorism Policing London, commented on the seriousness of the charges, stating, "These are extremely serious charges against a young boy and we continue to support the victims and their families, as well as the wider school community, following this shocking incident." She added that while the boy has been charged, the investigation is ongoing, with detectives continuing inquiries in the local area.
A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson confirmed that prosecutors worked to establish sufficient evidence for the case and deemed it in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings. The spokesperson emphasized, "It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings," reminding all concerned that criminal proceedings are active and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.
Community Impact and Ongoing Support
The incident has shocked the local community, with police working closely with colleagues in the Brent area. Temporary Commander Flanagan thanked the school and wider local community for their support in recent days. The case highlights ongoing concerns about youth crime and safety in educational settings, as authorities continue to investigate and provide support to those affected.
