The Emergency Response Centre alerted the police to a stabbing in the lobby of Maatulli Comprehensive School at 9:16 am on 23 March. Both the perpetrator and the victim are lower secondary school pupils.
The authorities arrived at the school within about six minutes. By the time the police arrived, the 15-year-old suspect had left the scene. The 14-year-old victim was given first aid and taken to the hospital. The victim sustained serious injuries but is currently in a stable condition.
The suspect was apprehended about an hour after the emergency call was made. The arrest proceeded without difficulty. No other individuals have been arrested at this time.
According to initial reports, the incident stemmed from a confrontation between the perpetrator and the victim.
Police investigations have revealed that the confrontation began when one pupil punched another. After that, a third pupil got involved and was stabbed by the pupil who had been punched. The pupils in question had been embroiled in a dispute over the preceding week, which had also involved physical violence. The pre-trial investigation will examine the events of the preceding week and the connection between the people involved and today's incident.
Pupils and staff took shelter in classrooms during the incident. The school’s pupils were held in their classrooms until about 11 am while the police carried out investigations.
The school day then ended early. The City of Helsinki provided on-site crisis support to the pupils.
The investigation will proceed with the questioning of the suspect and other investigative measures. As part of the pre-trial investigation, the police are examining the course of events, as well as any prior incidents that may be related to the offence. The incident is being treated as a case of attempted murder and assault. The 15-year-old who was apprehended is suspected of attempted murder, and the pupil who was fighting with the 15-year-old is suspected of assault.
The police will provide updates on the case as the investigation progresses, if necessary.
This incident may give rise to thoughts and concerns. The City of Helsinki’s crisis emergency service is available to Helsinki residents 24 hours a day on 09 310 44222. Other organisations can also provide help; their contact information can be found at: Support for Helsinki residents at a time of crisis | City of Helsinki
