Teen in attempted murder arrest after boys stabbed at school

A 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two boys were stabbed at a school in north-west London.

Officers were called to Kingsbury High School at about 12:40 GMT following reports a 13-year-old boy had been stabbed.

Police said they were later made aware that a second victim, a 12-year-old boy, had also been stabbed at the scene.

Both boys were taken to hospital, with one taken to a major trauma centre as a priority. Officers said they were both believed to be in a serious condition.

Counter-terror officers are leading the investigation but it has not been declared a terrorist incident, the Met Police said.

Det Ch Supt Luke Williams said armed and local officers were at the scene within 13 minutes of the 999 call.

He said the suspect, believed to be aged 13, left the scene following the stabbings but was later arrested.

Williams said a weapon believed to have been used in the attack had been recovered and the suspect remained in custody for questioning.

He told a press conference on Tuesday evening that officers were not looking for anyone else in connection with the stabbings.

"This is a fast-moving and developing investigation," he said.

"At this very early stage, 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, who are working closely with our local officers in response to this incident."

He added: "I absolutely recognise that this incident will cause considerable concern among the local community, students and parents. Our officers will remain in the area to offer support and answer any questions."

The head teacher of Kingsbury High School, Alex Thomas, said it had been "a deeply traumatic event for the whole school community", in a letter to parents and carers.

"I am very sorry to inform you that there was a serious incident at school today in which two students were stabbed," he said.

"Our thoughts and best wishes are with our students and their families at this incredibly difficult time."

Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said the double stabbing was "deeply shocking and distressing".

"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," he said.

The Labour councillor thanked the emergency services and school staff for their "swift response" and said the council would offer its "full and unlimited support" to those affected.

Dawn Butler, the local MP, said she was "deeply shocked and saddened".

"My thoughts are with the students affected, their families and the whole school community at this incredibly difficult time," she said.

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.

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