13-Year-Old Boy Arrested at Mosque Following Double Stabbing at London School
A 13-year-old boy has been apprehended on suspicion of attempted murder after a violent double stabbing incident at Kingsbury High School in London. The suspect, identified as a British national born in the United Kingdom, was located and arrested at a nearby mosque in the NW10 area after worshippers alerted authorities to his presence.
Distressed Suspect Found Inside Mosque
Detective Chief Superintendent Helen Flanagan, representing Counter Terrorism Policing London, confirmed that the young suspect was discovered in what she described as a "distressed state" inside the mosque. She emphasized that investigators do not believe the individual had any prior connection to the religious establishment, suggesting his presence there was likely coincidental.
"We think it is coincidental. Everyone in the mosque is supportive of the operation," Flanagan stated. "We were clearly concerned the attack would have some terrorist motive. But we keep an open mind on the motive."
Violent Attack Unfolds in School Classroom
According to police reports, the suspect entered the school grounds before launching the assault inside a first-floor classroom. Chief Superintendent Flanagan provided detailed accounts of the incident:
- The suspect sprayed a substance toward a pupil as he entered the classroom
- He then stabbed a 13-year-old boy inside the same room
- After leaving the classroom, he attacked another victim, a 12-year-old boy, in the hallway
- The suspect then fled the school premises
"Having entered the school, he proceeded out to a first floor classroom," Flanagan explained. "He entered the classroom, and we believe he sprayed a substance towards a pupil as he entered the door. The suspect has then attacked another pupil, a 13-year-old in that classroom, stabbing him, and then the suspect has left, running down the hallway of the school. As he is leaving, he then attacked another victim, a 12-year-old, stabbing him before running off and away from the school."
Victims in Stable Condition After Hospital Treatment
Both young victims were transported to hospital following the attack. Police have confirmed that while their injuries are serious, they are not believed to be life-threatening. Both boys remain in stable condition as they receive medical care.
Chief Superintendent Flanagan expressed relief at their improving status: "I can now confirm that the injuries suffered by the two victims, while serious, are thankfully not life-threatening and they remain in hospital in a stable condition. Our thoughts remain with them and their loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. Specialist officers are providing their families with support."
Chaotic Scenes and Community Response
Parents described scenes of chaos and confusion as emergency services responded to the incident. Students were kept in the playground for several hours while police secured the area. Some pupils reported seeing blood inside the school building, leaving many shaken by the traumatic experience.
One mother shared her daughter's harrowing account: "There was an alarm, everybody was scared and then there was chaos," she told reporters. Her child later observed blood smeared on a window, which the mother described as "very distressing" for the young witness.
Another grandparent revealed that his grandson had left the classroom just minutes before the attack occurred, calling it a "lucky escape" from the violent incident.
Security Concerns and Investigation Continues
Investigators believe the suspect may have accessed the school by climbing over a wall rather than entering through the main gate. This revelation has prompted calls from some parents for enhanced security measures, including the installation of metal detectors and increased staffing at school entrances.
The school remained closed to certain year groups the following day as officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London continued their investigation. Flanagan confirmed that "this continues to be a fast-paced investigation" with ongoing inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Increased police patrols have been implemented in the local community to provide reassurance to concerned residents and students. The 13-year-old suspect remains in police custody as the investigation progresses.
