Boy charged with attempted murder

Blundell's School attack update

A teenage boy is to appear in court charged with two attempted murders and one count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent following an incident at a prestigious Devon school.

The 16-year-old boy was arrested after emergency services, including an air ambulance, were called to Blundell’s School in Tiverton in the early hours of Friday morning.

He can't be named because of his age, and police have warned the public about the laws around identifying him or the victims on social media.

One teenager is fighting for his life and another is in hospital in a stable condition following the attack at a boarding house in the school grounds. Both are pupils at the school. Their families are with them in hospital and are being supported by officers.

One man, who is a member of staff at the school, also sustained injuries and was discharged from hospital on the day of the attack.

The school, which caters for a mix of day pupils and borders, sits in extensive grounds on the outskirts of Tiverton. 

Commander Superintendent Toby Davies said: “Our thoughts remain with the injured boys and their families in what must be a harrowing time for them. My officers are continuing to support them and the wider school community.

“We continue to fully investigate this incident and a scene guard remains in place at the school and is expected to remain there for the rest of the day.

“In the meantime, we need to remind the public of the law surrounding this matter.

“Any suspect under the age of 18 is, by law, not allowed to be identified.

“These rules are not solely for media organisations to adhere to; they also apply to members of the public and includes information posted via social media. This may be seen as interfering with a live investigation and an active criminal trial, and therefore could see those who do not adhere found in contempt of court.

“We therefore remind the public that it is vital that they do not speculate on the identity of either the victims or the suspect in this case.”

The accused 16-year-old will appear at Exeter Magistrates Court on Monday.