NUAST stabbing: No evidence incident related to ‘School Wars’ social media craze, police say

A 15-year-old boy has suffered serious injuries after being stabbed at school - but police said there was no evidence the incident was related to a terrifying social media craze. Nottinghamshire Police said officers were called to the Nottingham University Academy of Science and Technology (NUAST), in Dunkirk Road, at around 1.30pm on Thursday (March 6).

The victim was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre with serious injuries. A 15-year-old boy was arrested at the scene and it is understood the teenagers are known to each other.

However, officers said there is no evidence to suggest the incident was linked to controversial 'School Wars' social media posts, which pits schools against each other and sets up violent confrontations. Superintendent Chris Pearson said: “This is obviously an unsettling incident to occur on school grounds, and we are working closely with NUAST.”

In an email to parents, headteacher Dave Thompson said: “I am very sorry to inform you there was a serious incident at school today in which a student was stabbed. The incident in the school is now over and is being dealt with by police. We will be open tomorrow as normal.

“Clearly, this has been a very traumatic event for the whole school community and support will be provided for any staff or pupils affected. Our thoughts and best wishes are with our students and their families at this incredibly difficult time.”

NUAST is a specialist science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) academy for students aged between 11 and 19. In 2022, its most recent Ofsted inspection, the school was rated as good, with sixth form provision ranked as outstanding, with pupils said to feel "safe and happy at school".