Eight-year-old stabbed by student wielding a kitchen knife and toy gun

A child alleged to have stabbed an eight-year-old boy at school on Thursday invaded a year 1 classroom holding a kitchen knife and a toy gun while making threats.

Emergency services were called to Brentwood Park Primary School in Berwick about 9am where they treated a boy for non-life-threatening injuries. A female school staff member also received medical attention for minor injuries.

Police say an 11-year-old boy was found nearby and questioned. He was later taken to Monash Medical Centre for assessment.

School parents say the eight-year-old victim and his accused attacker are fellow students at Brentwood Park.

Another child at the school told their parent that the alleged attacker had been “acting weird” and “not his usual self” before the chaotic events unfolded.

The year 5 teacher treated by paramedics was not seriously hurt, according to school community sources who asked not to be named, and was back at work later in the day.

Both Brentwood Park Primary School and nearby Kambrya College were briefly locked down in the aftermath of the incident for the safety of staff and students.

In an email on Thursday afternoon, Brentwood Park principal James Bell told parents of year 1 students that “an older student entered your child’s classroom and behaved in a dangerous manner”.

“The student was holding a toy gun and an edged weapon and made verbal threats,” Bell wrote. “At the same time, our school went into a short lockdown to ensure the safety of all students and staff while we waited for emergency services to arrive.”

It is unclear if the year 1 classroom incident took place before or after the alleged stabbing.

Two sources with knowledge of the incident, who asked not to be identified because of the age of the children involved, confirmed the weapon was a standard kitchen knife.

Bell said students had responded well to the incident, and the school regularly practised student safety procedures.

“Classroom teachers and our wellbeing team have checked in with students and will continue to monitor them on Friday,” he said. “We will continue to offer psychological support to any students who might need it.”

A parent with a year 1 child at the school, who also did not wish to be identified, described the “scary” experience.

“I drove past the school not long after receiving the email and there were parents at the gate, ambulance and police,” the parent told The Age.

“The first email sent was so vague. I would’ve liked to have known more about the situation.”

The parent said his daughter was shaken by the incident and the minimal information about the incident was “disconcerting”.

“I don’t think she fully understands the severity of what happened,” the parent said.

“To know it was a student involved in the attack is even more alarming. Sending my daughter back makes me feel anxious and weary.

“It definitely was terrifying not knowing whether or not my child could’ve been involved, may have witnessed or even just been in close proximity to it all, because no information was given at the time of the first email.”

Brentwood Park was able to resume normal operations shortly after the incident and is working with authorities.

“We are currently working with Brentwood Park Primary School regarding an incident this morning involving a young student who behaved in a dangerous manner,” a Department of Education spokesperson said on Thursday.

“The school enacted its safety procedures, and police and paramedics attended the school. We are supporting both the staff member and the student and are providing additional wellbeing supports to those who need it.”

Police say their investigation is ongoing.

They have urged anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app.