A 13-year-old boy has been arrested after reports of a knife being brought into a school in Dagenham this morning.
Police were called to Dagenham Park School on School Road following reports of an altercation. A knife was recovered at the scene. No injuries were reported.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed: “A boy, aged 13, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. He remains in custody.”
The school alerted parents and carers this morning, writing: “Following an incident on the school site this morning, I am writing to reassure you that the matter was dealt with swiftly and appropriately by staff, with support from external agencies where necessary.
“There is no ongoing risk to students or staff, and the school remains open operating as normal.”
While there is widespread speculation online about what happened, police and the school are yet to officially confirm further details. It is understood that a knife was brought into the school, with reports of a group of children entering the building.
Barking and Dagenham Council has been approached for a statement on behalf of the school.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 1521/15OCT.
What happens after an arrest like this
When a child under 18 is arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon, they are taken into police custody and the case is referred to the youth justice system. The age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales is 10, meaning a 13-year-old can be charged and prosecuted.
A parent or appropriate adult must be present during any police interview with a child, and youth offending teams become involved to assess the young person’s circumstances. The emphasis of the youth justice system is on preventing reoffending, and sentences can include referral orders, youth rehabilitation orders, or in the most serious cases, detention.
Possession of a knife in a public place — which includes school premises — carries a maximum sentence of up to four years for adults. For under-18s, cases are usually heard in the youth court, where sentencing focuses on rehabilitation alongside punishment.
Schools have clear duties when weapons are found on site. Staff are expected to act immediately to keep pupils safe, inform the police, and communicate with parents. Exclusion is a possible outcome for bringing a weapon into school, though each case is assessed individually.
Knife crime and London schools
The incident will alarm parents across east London. Knife crime remains one of the capital’s most persistent concerns, and schools have increasingly had to confront the reality of weapons being brought onto their premises.
The Metropolitan Police runs regular operations targeting knife possession, including the use of knife arches at schools and stop-and-search powers. Community groups and charities also work in schools to steer young people away from carrying weapons.
Experts consistently say that most young people who carry knives do so because they feel unsafe, rather than with the intention of using them — but the consequences of being caught can be life-changing, including a criminal record that affects future employment and education.
Parents who are worried about their children can find support through their child’s school, local youth services, or national charities that work on knife crime prevention. Schools are encouraged to talk openly with pupils about the risks of carrying weapons, and many run dedicated sessions as part of their safeguarding work.
For now, Dagenham Park School says there is no ongoing risk and lessons are continuing as normal. Police enquiries continue.
London Streets has been covering school demand in Barking and Dagenham and school closures in Camden this week.
