London school stabbing suspect held after attack at Brent school

Published: 12 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

A serious London school stabbing has shocked families after two boys were injured inside a north London secondary campus. Police confirmed a 13-year-old former pupil was arrested hours after the London school stabbing triggered emergency lockdown procedures. The incident happened during lunchtime at Kingsbury High School in Brent and caused panic among students and staff. Officers said the attack is not currently being treated as terrorism, following early counter-terrorism involvement. Investigators continue examining motive, background, and personal links connected with the suspect and the victims.

According to senior officers leading the case, the suspect arrived at the school site at about 12.30pm. He was reportedly not enrolled there anymore but had previously attended the same school as a pupil. Authorities believe he entered a first-floor classroom shortly after reaching the building through an access point. When the classroom door opened, he sprayed a liquid substance toward one student standing nearby. Police later assessed the substance and said it was not believed to be dangerous or corrosive.

Moments later, violence escalated inside the classroom and turned into a fast-moving and frightening confrontation. A 13-year-old boy suffered a stab wound before the attacker fled into the corridor outside. Witness accounts describe shouting, confusion, and rapid movement through the hallway as pupils tried to stay safe. The suspect then went downstairs and stabbed a 12-year-old boy on the ground floor level. Staff members activated emergency protocols while calling police and medical services for urgent assistance.

Both injured boys were transported to hospital under emergency conditions soon after armed officers secured the site. Doctors later confirmed both victims were in stable condition and their injuries were not life-threatening. Families were informed quickly and supported by school leaders and specialist youth support professionals during the afternoon. Community members gathered nearby as news of the London school stabbing spread across local networks. Many parents arrived early to collect children after controlled release procedures were introduced by the school.

Detective Chief Superintendent Helen Flanagan from Counter Terrorism Policing London provided detailed updates during a press briefing. She explained that specialist officers initially took command because early details left motive and intent unclear. After further assessment, investigators said the London school stabbing has not been declared a terrorist incident. She added that officers are exploring whether the violence stemmed from a personal grievance or dispute. Police are keeping an open mind while carefully reviewing digital evidence and witness testimony.

A large search operation began immediately after the suspect ran from the school building following the attack. Patrol units, armed teams, and community officers were deployed across surrounding streets and transport routes. At approximately 4.15pm, a member of the public reported concern about a young person at a mosque. Officers attended that location and arrested a 13-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted murder offences. He remains in custody and is being questioned with appropriate legal and safeguarding support present.

Police stressed there is no evidence that the mosque itself was linked to planning or execution. Officers described the suspect’s presence there as likely coincidental based on current investigative findings and timelines. Community leaders at the mosque have been described as cooperative and supportive throughout the fast-moving investigation process. Authorities also confirmed searches were carried out at two residential addresses connected to the suspect. Digital devices and clothing items were among materials collected for forensic and behavioural examination.

Some pupils told officers they heard religious phrases shouted during the frightening moments of the attack. Others suggested there may have been an earlier disagreement involving at least one of the victims. Investigators are carefully cross-checking these accounts to separate confirmed facts from distressed recollections and rumours. Specialist child interview teams are conducting recorded conversations with dozens of young witnesses from different year groups. Officers described the process as extremely delicate because many witnesses are minors and remain deeply shaken.

School leadership temporarily closed part of the campus while safety checks and reassurance measures were introduced. Visible police patrols continue around entrances, nearby roads, and public transport stops used by many pupils. Authorities said this presence is precautionary and not linked to any continuing threat or further suspects. Conservative councillor Kanta Mistry, who lives near the school, said the area felt stunned and saddened. She described the school as secure, high performing, and closely connected with its surrounding neighbourhood.

Headteacher Alex Thomas wrote to parents and carers describing the incident as deeply traumatic for everyone involved. He said student wellbeing and emotional recovery now stand at the centre of the school response plan. Counsellors and educational psychologists are being made available for pupils, staff, and affected families this week. Support spaces inside the school are operating to help children talk through fear and confusion safely. Local authority teams are also coordinating with safeguarding partners to monitor any ongoing risks or distress.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the case during Prime Minister’s Questions and condemned the violence strongly. He described the London school stabbing as an appalling attack that harmed children and frightened a community. He said his thoughts were with the injured boys and everyone affected by the shocking events. He also thanked emergency services for their rapid and coordinated response at the height of confusion. The prime minister urged the public to allow investigators time and space to complete their work.

Senior investigators say current evidence suggests the suspect acted alone without organised support or wider coordination. No additional arrests have been made, and police are not actively seeking other suspects at this time. Forensic teams continue analysing CCTV footage, phone data, and movement patterns before and after the incident. Officers believe building a clear timeline will be essential to understanding motive behind the London school stabbing. Charging decisions will follow once interviews, evidence review, and legal thresholds are fully completed.

Across Brent and the wider city, the event has reopened discussion about youth safety and school security. Parents are asking how a former pupil gained access and moved inside without earlier intervention. Education officials say access controls, visitor checks, and supervision policies are now under urgent review. Community groups are urging calm, accuracy, and unity while verified facts continue emerging from official channels. For now, two boys recover in hospital and a shaken school community begins healing together.

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