Boy, 13, charged with attempted murder over school stabbing that left three children injured

The boy, who cannot be named due to his age, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Youth Court later this morning.

He is accused of the attempted murder of two boys aged 12 and 13, and unlawfully and maliciously administering a noxious thing to a third child for allegedly spraying them with an unnamed substance.

The boy has also been charged with possession of a knife on school premises without good reason or lawful authority.

Detective Chief Superintendent Helen Flanagan, from Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: "These are extremely serious charges against a young boy, and we continue to support the victims and their families, as well as the wider school community following this shocking incident.

"While we have now charged the boy with these offences, our investigation is ongoing and detectives will continue to carry out enquiries in the local area.

"We are working closely with local policing colleagues in the Brent area and I would also like to thank the school and the wider local community for their support in recent days."

A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.

"We have worked closely with the police as they have carried out their investigation.

"We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.

"It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

Leader of Brent Council Councillor Muhammed Butt said: "This is a deeply shocking and distressing incident, and our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been injured, their families and the whole school community.

"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.

"I want to thank the emergency services and school staff for their swift response. We will remain in close contact with the Metropolitan Police, and Brent Council will offer our full and unlimited support to the staff, pupils and families affected."

Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan urged anyone with information to contact the police, adding: "There is no honour in staying silent."