School Stabbing Suspect Was Former Pupil in Uniform Disguise, Police Reveal
A 13-year-old boy who stabbed two pupils at a secondary school in north-west London is thought to be a former student who disguised himself in the correct uniform to carry out the attack. The incident occurred at Kingsbury High School in Brent on Tuesday lunchtime, leaving two boys, aged 12 and 13, with serious injuries.
Traumatic Attack Leaves School Community in Shock
Children at Kingsbury High School were said to be traumatised after witnessing the stabbing. The grandfather of two pupils at the school, Janti Kalyan, 60, stated that his grandchildren believe the suspected offender was a former pupil. "My grandchildren are traumatised," he added, noting that the attacker was wearing the school's uniform.
According to reports, the offender "climbed over a wall" to gain entry to the school. One of the victims alerted teachers to the attack by pulling the fire alarm, an action praised by parent Simon Theodorou, who called the boy a "hero".
Police Investigation and Arrest
Police said the suspect fled the scene and was later arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams confirmed that officers recovered a weapon believed to have been used in the stabbing. "The suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody for questioning by our officers," he stated.
Investigators are analysing the suspect's devices and reviewing dozens of witness accounts to establish the motive. Due to the surrounding circumstances, the investigation is now being led by officers from counter-terrorism policing London, though it has not currently been declared a terrorist incident.
Political and Community Response
Sir Keir Starmer called the stabbing "an appalling attack" during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday. Schools minister Georgia Gould told Sky News that the Government could look at bolstering security in schools but ruled out installing metal detectors.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed that her thoughts and prayers were with the two children stabbed in the "shocking attack". Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said she is "heartbroken" about the stabbings.
Brent Council leader Muhammed Butt thanked emergency services and school staff for their swift response, adding: "No parent should ever have to fear for their child's safety at school, and it is horrifying to think of how someone so young came to be in possession of a weapon capable of causing such harm."
School Closure and Support Measures
Headteacher Alex Thomas described the incident as "a deeply traumatic event for the whole school community" in a letter to parents and carers. The lower school was closed on Wednesday, with students told to stay at home, while the upper school remained open for students in Years 10-13.
Pupils were spoken to by police officers in one of the school's halls for more than three hours after the usual school day finished on Tuesday, with some seen leaving in tears. The father of one pupil noted that children were obviously "traumatised by what happened in front of them".
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan urged anyone with information to contact the police, stating: "There is no honour in staying silent. This awful violence has absolutely no place in our city." The victims are understood to be in a serious condition, and the investigation continues at pace.
Kingsbury High School is an academy school 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 community remains on high alert as authorities work to ensure safety and provide support in the wake of this devastating incident.
