Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams told a press conference at the scene: “We’re not currently looking for anyone else in relation to this incident. At this very early stage, we’re 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.
“This has not currently been declared a terrorist incident and the investigation team will now be working at pace to gather any evidence and to establish the full circumstances of what has happened as quickly as possible.”
Williams said both injured boys were receiving “urgent care”, adding: “We await an update on how they are, though we understand their conditions to be serious.
“The thoughts of everyone at the Met are with them and their loved ones, and we want to thank the doctors and nurses.”
Kingsbury High School said in an earlier statement that there had been a “serious incident” and that teachers had spoken to the parents and carers of the students involved.
The school was locked down after the stabbing, police helicopters were deployed to the area and about six police cars were seen outside.
One mother, who did not wish to be named, said children had been sent home without their bags, coats or jackets.
She told the Telegraph: “It is really scary. We send our children to school and we expect them to be safe but that just doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. I just hope the two boys are okay. Their poor families.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said her thoughts and prayers are with the two children stabbed in the “shocking attack”.
She posted on X, formerly Twitter: “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.”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson wrote on X: “I am heartbroken to hear about the stabbings at a school in Brent.
“My heart goes out to the families affected and the young people, teachers and school community at this awful time.”
Kingsbury High School is an academy school with 1997 children aged 11 to 18, according to the latest Department for Education figures.
Bob Blackman, the MP for Harrow East, wrote on X: “I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear the dreadful news of the stabbing at Kingsbury High School this afternoon.
“Two boys have been stabbed and my thoughts are with them, their families and the whole school community ... I am in close contact with the police and will continue to seek updates as they work to keep everyone safe.”
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