‘Deeply distressing’

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said her thoughts and prayers were with the two pupils.

She posted on X: “A shocking attack at Kingsbury High School, where two children have been stabbed.

“My thoughts and my prayers are with them, their families and all those affected.

“The police have arrested the suspect, and I would like to thank them for their rapid work in doing so. We must now give them the space to pursue their investigation.”

Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said “there is no honour in staying silent” as he urged anyone with information to contact the police.

In the statement issued on Tuesday evening, Sir Sadiq said: “My thoughts are with the family, friends and wider community in Brent following the appalling stabbings today.”

He added: “The Met have deployed significant resources to the area and I urge anyone with information to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said the double stabbing was “deeply shocking and distressing”.

“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 be in possession of a weapon capable of causing such harm,” he said.

The Labour councillor thanked the emergency services and school staff for their “swift response” and said the council would offer its “full and unlimited support” to those affected.

Kingsbury High School is an academy school serving children aged 11 to 18, with both upper and lower sites.

According to the latest Department for Education information, it has 1,997 pupils.

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