Double Stabbing at London School Leaves Two Children Fighting for Life
In a horrifying incident that has shaken the community, a 13-year-old boy launched a stabbing rampage at Kingsbury High School in Brent, north-west London on Tuesday, leaving two children in life-threatening condition. The attack, which occurred just before lunchtime, is being investigated as a suspected terror incident by counter-terrorism police.
Classroom Attack During School Hours
Witnesses described how the teenage attacker entered a classroom around 12:40pm and stabbed a 13-year-old boy in the neck and back while shouting 'Allahu Akbar'. Seconds later, a second victim aged 12 was knifed in front of screaming children. The suspect, who was not a pupil at the school, managed to flee the scene before armed police arrived.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams confirmed that officers arrested the suspect approximately one hour later after finding him hiding nearby. Police recovered a weapon believed to have been used in the attack. The suspect remains in custody on suspicion of attempted murder.
Traumatised Witnesses and Community Response
The attack has left the school community deeply traumatised. Many children who witnessed the stabbing spree were held in the school hall for several hours while police conducted inquiries. Parents described their children's terror, with one father stating his son saw the attacker stab a child in the neck.
Maeve O'Callaghan-Harrington, a local resident, reported hearing children sobbing as they left school with their parents, with one boy crying, "Mummy, Mummy, it was in his neck." Another parent expressed concern about their child's willingness to return to school after such a traumatic event.
Counter-Terrorism Investigation Underway
Scotland Yard confirmed that counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation amid suspicions the attack was ideologically motivated. However, police have not yet formally declared the stabbings a terrorist incident as officers continue searches related to the suspect.
Detective Chief Superintendent Williams stated: "We are keeping an open mind as to any motivation behind this attack. However, due to the surrounding circumstances, the investigation is now being led by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London."
Political and Community Reactions
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed her thoughts and prayers for the victims and their families, thanking police for their rapid response. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described being "heartbroken" by the news.
Kingsbury High School headteacher Alex Thomas acknowledged the "deeply traumatic event for the whole school community" and confirmed the school is working closely with authorities. The school, which has 1,997 pupils aged 11 to 18, counts George Michael among its notable alumni.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the "appalling stabbings" and urged anyone with information to come forward, stating: "This awful violence has absolutely no place in our city." Brent Council leader Muhammed Butt described it as "horrifying" that a youngster carried out such an attack in a school environment.
The two wounded boys remain in hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries as the investigation continues to develop rapidly.
