Former Pupil in Uniform Disguise Suspected in London School Stabbing Attack
A 13-year-old suspect who stabbed two pupils at a secondary school in north-west London is believed to be a former student who disguised himself in the correct uniform to carry out the assault. The incident occurred at Kingsbury High School in Brent on Tuesday lunchtime, leaving two boys, aged 12 and 13, with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Police Investigation and Community Trauma
Detective Chief Superintendent Helen Flanagan confirmed on Wednesday that the victims are in a stable condition in hospital. The suspect fled the scene and was later arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, with a weapon recovered. Investigators are analysing his devices and reviewing dozens of witness accounts to establish a motive.
The investigation is now being led by officers from counter-terrorism policing London, though it has not been declared a terrorist incident. Police are keeping an open mind regarding motivation while working urgently to gather evidence.
Janti Kalyan, 60, grandfather of two pupils at the school, stated that his grandchildren believe the attacker was a former pupil wearing the school's uniform. "My grandchildren are traumatised," he added. Another student reported that the suspect had "beef" with a boy at the school, indicating possible prior conflicts.
School Response and Security Concerns
Headteacher Alex Thomas described the stabbing as "a deeply traumatic event for the whole school community" in a letter to parents. The lower school was closed on Wednesday, while the upper school remained open for Years 10-13. Pupils were spoken to by police for over three hours after school on Tuesday, with some seen leaving in tears.
According to reports, the offender climbed over a wall to gain entry, and one victim alerted teachers by pulling the fire alarm, an act praised by a parent who called the boy a "hero." Schools minister Georgia Gould told Sky News that the Government could consider bolstering school security but ruled out installing metal detectors.
Political and Public Reactions
Sir Keir Starmer labelled the stabbing "an appalling attack" during Prime Minister's Questions. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed her thoughts and prayers for the children involved in the "shocking attack," while Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said she is "heartbroken" about the incident.
Brent Council leader Muhammed Butt thanked emergency services and school staff for their swift response, emphasising that "no parent should ever have to fear for their child's safety at school." Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan urged anyone with information to contact police, stating "this awful violence has absolutely no place in our city."
School Background and Impact
Kingsbury High School is an academy serving children aged 11 to 18, with 1,997 pupils according to the latest Department for Education data. The father of one pupil noted that children were clearly "traumatised by what happened in front of them," highlighting the psychological impact on the school community. As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on supporting victims and preventing future incidents.
