A 12-year-old boy has been arrested after stabbing six fellow students at a school in Azambuja, a town near Lisbon, on Tuesday. The victims, aged between 11 and 14, were injured in the attack, according to the Portuguese national police.
Silvino Lúcio, Azambuja Mayor stated that one boy suffered a serious chest wound and was transported to a hospital in Lisbon.
Lúcio added that although his injury was initially critical, his life is not in danger. Five other victims, all girls, sustained minor injuries to their arms.
Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the attack, which has sent shockwaves through the typically quiet community.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro condemned the incident, describing it as an “isolated act” and offering his best wishes for the children’s recovery.
“It was an isolated act and a strange occurrence in Portuguese society, but one that should make everyone who works in public space reflect with a sense of responsibility,” Montenegro wrote.