12-year-old boy arrested after knife attack on 6 schoolchildren

The attack occurred on Tuesday, September 17. According to the Portuguese National Police, one boy suffered a serious chest injury and five girls suffered minor arm injuries. The victims, aged between 11 and 14, were immediately treated after the incident.

Mayor of Azambuja, Silvino Lúcio confirmed that the seriously injured boy was taken to a hospital in Lisbon.

Although he is seriously injured, doctors say his life is not in danger. The other five children suffered minor injuries.

The motive for the attack remains unknown and authorities have launched an investigation to find the cause of this violence.

The attacker is currently in police custody while authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the incident.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro condemned the incident and described it as an “isolated attack” that rarely occurs in the country.

“It was an isolated act and a strange event in Portuguese society, but it should make everyone who works in public spaces reflect responsibly,” Montenegro wrote on the social media platform X.

The normally peaceful community of Azambuja is in shock as the investigation continues.