Boy, 13, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after double stabbing at school

Police will continue to question a 13-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted murder today, as counter-terrorism officers lead an investigation into a double stabbing at a school.

Two boys, aged 12 and 13, are in a serious condition in hospital after Tuesday's attack at Kingsbury High School in Brent, northwest London.

Police launched a search for the suspect, and officers later detained a 13-year-old boy.

The investigation is being led by counter-terror police, although a terrorist incident has not been declared.

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said detectives are "keeping an open mind as to any motivation behind the attack".

Police and ambulance crews were called to reports of a stabbing at the school at around 12.40pm. A search for the suspect - identified as a teenage boy - was launched after it was established he had left the scene.

Simon Theodorou, a parent of a child at the school, told The Telegraph the attacker "managed to get his way in by climbing over a wall".

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the boy had been arrested shortly after 6pm, and a weapon was recovered.

He remains in custody, while the two victims are still in hospital. One was taken to a major trauma centre "as a priority", the London Ambulance Service said.

'Deeply traumatic'

In a letter to parents, the school's head teacher told parents the incident was a "deeply traumatic event for the whole school community".

Alex Thomas said the lower school will remain shut on Wednesday, after some pupils were kept behind to speak to police officers more than three hours after their usual finishing time. Some were seen leaving in tears.

'No honour in staying silent'

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the attack as "shocking" and urged people to give police "space to pursue their investigation".

The education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said her "heart goes out to the families affected" and that the government was supporting the school.

According to the latest Department for Education information, it has 1,997 pupils.

Local MP Bob Blackman and London mayor Sadiq Khan also expressed their shock, and the latter urged anyone with information to contact police.

"There is no honour in staying silent," he added.

(c) Sky News 2026: Boy, 13, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after double stabbing at school