Key Points
- A 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a stabbing incident at Kingsbury High School in north-west London, an area linked to broader North London concerns.
- Two young victims—a 13-year-old boy and a 12-year-old boy—were stabbed at the school around 12:40 on Tuesday.
- Police received reports of the first stabbing and later learned of a second victim at the scene.
- Both victims were rushed to hospital; one was taken to a major trauma centre as a priority, with both believed to be in a serious condition.
- Counter-terror officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London are leading the investigation, though it has not been declared a terrorist incident.
- Armed and local officers responded within 13 minutes of the 999 call.
- The suspect fled the scene but was later arrested; a weapon believed to be used in the attack has been recovered.
- The suspect remains in custody for questioning, and no other individuals are being sought in connection with the stabbings.
- Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams described the incident as a “fast-moving and developing investigation” with an open mind on motivation.
- Officers will remain in the area to reassure the local community, students, and parents amid considerable concern.
Kingsbury, (North London News) February 11, 2026 – A 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two pupils were stabbed at Kingsbury High School in this north-west London suburb, sparking widespread alarm among families and school officials.
- Key Points
- What Happened at Kingsbury High School?
- Why Are Counter-Terror Officers Involved?
- How Did Police Respond to the Incident?
- What Support Is Available for the Community?
- Who Are the Victims and Suspect?
- What Is the Current Status of the Investigation?
- Has the School Reopened?
- How Does This Fit into North London Trends?
- What Happens Next in the Probe?
- Community Reaction and Broader Implications
What Happened at Kingsbury High School?
Police were called to Kingsbury High School at approximately 12:40 on Tuesday following initial reports that a 13-year-old boy had been stabbed. As detailed in the official Metropolitan Police statement, officers were later made aware that a second victim, a 12-year-old boy, had also been stabbed at the scene.
Both boys were promptly taken to hospital for treatment, with one admitted to a major trauma centre as a priority due to the severity of his injuries. Officers confirmed that both victims are believed to be in a serious condition, though no further updates on their status have been released at this early stage.​
The rapid response from emergency services underscored the gravity of the situation. According to Det Ch Supt Luke Williams, armed and local officers arrived at the scene within just 13 minutes of the initial 999 call.
The suspect, described as a 13-year-old boy, reportedly left the scene immediately after the stabbings but was apprehended shortly thereafter. A weapon believed to have been used in the attack was recovered by officers, and the suspect remains in custody as questioning continues.
Why Are Counter-Terror Officers Involved?
In a notable development, counter-terror officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London are leading the investigation, despite the incident not being declared a terrorist-related event.
The Met Police emphasised this joint effort in their press release, stating that the decision stems from “the surrounding circumstances” of the attack. Det Ch Supt Luke Williams addressed this directly during a press conference on Tuesday evening, saying:
“This is a fast-moving and developing investigation. 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”.​
Williams further reassured the public by confirming:
“Officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the stabbings,”
as reported by the police spokesman at the same press conference. This allocation of specialist resources highlights the thorough approach being taken, even as authorities stress that no specific motive has been established.
How Did Police Respond to the Incident?
The speed of the police response was a key focus of official statements. Det Ch Supt Luke Williams noted that armed and local officers were at Kingsbury High School within 13 minutes of the emergency call, a detail that underscores the efficiency of Brent’s local policing teams.
The recovery of a suspected weapon further bolsters the investigation, providing crucial forensic evidence as the suspect undergoes questioning.
The police spokesman reiterated at the Tuesday evening press conference:
“Officers said they were both believed to be in a serious condition,”
referring to the victims, while confirming the suspect’s ongoing detention. This fast-paced operation prevented any further immediate risk, with no additional suspects identified.
What Support Is Available for the Community?
Recognising the shockwave through the local area, Det Ch Supt Luke Williams acknowledged the impact, stating:
“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.”
This commitment to visibility and reassurance is standard protocol in such cases, particularly in school environments where children and families are directly affected.
Kingsbury High School, located in the London Borough of Brent—a key part of North London’s diverse urban fabric—has not issued a separate statement beyond cooperating with authorities. Parents and pupils have reportedly been left reeling, with social media buzzing about lockdowns and emergency protocols activated during the incident.
Who Are the Victims and Suspect?
Details on the victims remain limited to protect their identities and privacy, given their young ages.
The first reported casualty was a 13-year-old boy stabbed at the school, followed by confirmation of a 12-year-old boy as the second victim. Both were transported to hospital swiftly, with one prioritised for major trauma care, reflecting the potentially life-threatening nature of their injuries.
The suspect, also 13 years old, matches the age profile of those involved, suggesting a possible peer-related altercation. He fled post-incident but was quickly traced and arrested, with the believed attack weapon secured by police. No names have been released, in line with protocols for juvenile cases.
What Is the Current Status of the Investigation?
As of Tuesday evening, the probe is very much in its infancy. Det Ch Supt Luke Williams described it as
“a fast-moving and developing investigation,”
with authorities maintaining an “open mind” on the motivation. The involvement of Counter Terrorism Policing London adds a layer of expertise, but the Met Police has been clear: it is not being treated as terrorism.
No arrests beyond the initial suspect have been made, and the police spokesman confirmed:
“Officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the stabbings.”
The recovered weapon will undergo forensic analysis, potentially shedding light on the sequence of events.
Has the School Reopened?
Kingsbury High School has not provided public updates on operations, but such incidents typically lead to temporary closures or partial lockdowns. With officers remaining on site, the focus is on supporting students, staff, and families while ensuring the investigation proceeds unimpeded.
How Does This Fit into North London Trends?
This stabbing at Kingsbury High School contributes to ongoing discussions about youth violence in North London areas like Brent, Camden, and Tottenham. While isolated, it echoes concerns over knife crime among young people, prompting calls for enhanced school security and community programmes.
Authorities have not linked it to wider patterns, but the counter-terror oversight reflects heightened vigilance post-recent national incidents.
Det Ch Supt Luke Williams’ pledge for ongoing presence aims to mitigate fears, particularly as parents grapple with the proximity of such violence to everyday school life.
What Happens Next in the Probe?
Forensic teams are expected to comb the scene, while the suspect’s questioning could yield breakthroughs on motive—be it personal dispute, bullying, or otherwise. The victims’ conditions will be monitored closely, with updates likely as they stabilise.
The Met Police’s collaborative model between local and specialist units sets a precedent for thoroughness. As Williams noted, the open-minded approach ensures all angles are explored without premature conclusions.
Community Reaction and Broader Implications
Local residents in Kingsbury and surrounding North London boroughs have expressed dismay, with parents voicing worries over child safety. Schools in the area may review protocols, and councils like Brent could face scrutiny on youth services.
This incident, while contained, serves as a stark reminder of vulnerabilities in urban schooling. The police’s proactive stance offers some solace, but healing the community will require time and transparency.
