In a shocking incident at Kingsbury High School in north-west London, a 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the stabbing of two students. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, has prompted a counter-terrorism investigation, although it has not been officially classified as a terrorist act.

Incident Details and Immediate Response

Police were alerted to the scene at approximately 12:40 GMT, where they discovered two boys, aged 12 and 13, with serious stab wounds. Both victims were swiftly transported to the hospital, with one admitted to a major trauma center. The suspect, who fled the scene, was apprehended shortly after, and a weapon believed to have been used in the attack was recovered.

Counter-Terrorism Involvement

Det Ch Supt Luke Williams, overseeing the investigation, stated that the decision to involve counter-terrorism officers was due to "surrounding circumstances," though the incident has not been declared a terrorist attack. "We are keeping an open mind as to any motivation behind this attack," Williams noted, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

Community Impact and Support

The school community is reeling from the event, with students and parents visibly distressed. Headteacher Alex Thomas described the incident as "a deeply traumatic event for the whole school community" in a letter to parents. The school has closed its Lower School for the day following the attack, while the Upper School remains open for older students.

Witness Accounts and Reactions

Witnesses reported that the suspect shouted "Allahu Akbar" during the attack, adding a layer of complexity to the investigation. Parents and students have been offered support, with police remaining on-site to provide reassurance and gather further evidence.