A shocking incident has unfolded at Kingsbury High School in Barnet, London, where two boys were attacked and stabbed, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
The Metropolitan Police have launched an urgent manhunt for a teenager believed to be responsible for this violent act that took place during school hours. Officers received the first emergency call around 12:40 GMT, alerted to the fact that a 13-year-old boy had been stabbed. Soon afterward, authorities learned that a second victim, a 12-year-old boy, was also found injured at the scene. Both boys were promptly transported to a hospital by the London Ambulance Service—one of them prioritized to a major trauma center due to the severity of his injuries. As of now, police are awaiting updates on their medical conditions, which has understandably heightened anxiety among students and parents alike.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams expressed that such incidents would raise "considerable concern" within the community. He reassured the public, stating, "We want to reassure local students, parents, and residents that we have deployed significant resources to the area and are doing everything we can to locate the suspect." Furthermore, he extended his thoughts and gratitude to the paramedics and medical staff attending to the victims.
In a statement released around 14:00, Kingsbury High School acknowledged the serious nature of the event. They confirmed they were collaborating closely with the relevant authorities and adhering to all necessary protocols. The statement emphasized, "The situation is now under control, and we have already communicated directly with the parents and caregivers of the students involved. We acknowledge the distress this incident may cause. Presently, it is not feasible to enter or exit the school premises while the emergency response is ongoing. We will provide updates as new information becomes available."
Brent Council leader, Muhammed Butt, voiced his dismay over the incident, labeling the double stabbing as "deeply shocking and distressing." He articulated, "No parent should ever have to fear for their child's safety at school, and it is horrifying to think of how someone so young came to possess a weapon capable of causing such harm." He praised the quick actions of emergency services and school personnel, assuring that the council would extend its complete support to those impacted by this tragedy.
A local teacher named Zina shared her sentiments with BBC News, describing her reaction to the stabbings as "very sad and shocking." She noted, "To hear something like this in my local area is just something very upsetting."
For context, Kingsbury High School is an academy catering to students aged 11 to 18, featuring both upper and lower campuses. According to the most recent figures from the Department for Education, the school serves a total of 1,997 pupils. It has an interesting history, tracing back to the establishment of Kingsbury County School in 1925, initially housed in a building formerly occupied by the Aircraft Manufacturing Company before relocating in 1932. Notable alumni of the school include George Michael from Wham, jazz artist Courtney Pine, Floyd Steadman—the first black captain of the Saracens rugby team—and writer Ekow Eshun.
