Boy, 12, charged after girl stabbed at St Thomas More School and taken to hospital

A 12-year-old boy has been arrested and charged after a girl was stabbed in the torso at a northern suburbs school. Police say there is no further risk.

A 12-year-old boy has been arrested after allegedly stabbing another student at a northern suburbs school.

Police say they were called to St Thomas More primary school at Elizabeth Park about 9am on Friday, after reports a 12-year-old girl had suffered superficial injuries to her torso following an alleged stabbing.

The student was taken to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

DEVELOPING: An Elizabeth Park primary school has been placed into lockdown after a young girl was stabbed by a fellow student. The latest in 7NEWS Adelaide at 6pm | https://t.co/kKWBBXpgq5#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/XAiXap51Hp

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) August 25, 2023

A female student has been stabbed at St Thomas More Primary in Elizabeth Park. Picture: Agnes Gichuhi

Police said the boy, of Davoren Park, had been detained and a knife seized. He has been charged with assault causing harm and was bailed to appear in the Elizabeth Youth Court in October.

The school was placed into lockdown for a short time while police investigated. It remains open with students on-site, with police say there is no further risk.

Concerned parents with young students at the school have collected their children from the campus following the incident.

Parent Rachel Mitchell said she was working when she received the terrifying phone call from her sister, saying that “an incident had happened”.

“I just rushed here straight away, obviously (I am) a concerned mum and yeah, (I) just wanted to be with my daughter,” she said.

Parent Rachel Mitchell speaks to media following the stabbing at St Thomas More Primary. Picture: Agnes Gichuhi

Parent Rachel Mitchell leaves the school with her daughter. Picture: Agnes Gichuhi

Speaking before midday on Friday, Ms Mitchell said she had not yet received any form of communication from the school alerting her to the incident.

“It’s really scary and obviously everyone wants to keep their child protected, but I do know that can happen at any school, anywhere,” she said.

“It’s crazy. I feel like the world’s getting so out of control.

“But unfortunately, I don’t know what’s happened (or) what’s caused this to happen.”

Ms Mitchell said her daughter, who was recently enrolled at the school, was “a bit shaken up”.

“Obviously, she’s scared (about) what’s happened, but she knows she’s safe with her teachers,” she said.

Other students remained at the school and were seen taking part in outdoor physical activities.

Most emergency services had left the school by midday, however a SA Police vehicle was still parked at the school early afternoon.

Police said there was no further risk to any other student at the school.

Police leave Thomas More School in Elizabeth Park following the stabbing of a student on Friday morning. Picture: NCA NewsWire

In a letter sent to parents just before midday on Friday, school principal Chris Platten said staff had “acted swiftly to intervene” and managed to de-escalate the incident between two upper primary students.

“There is no further risk to any other students and the students were supported by staff in the gym,” he said.

“The school was placed on lockdown while police investigated the incident. And school will continue as per our timetable for the rest of the day.”

Mr Platten said the school would be providing counselling support to children who have been affected by the incident.

“Our priority at the moment is supporting the students involved and those who witnessed the incident I am in the process of co-ordinating counsellors to further support the students today,” he said.

“Obviously this is distressing for all involved and we will continue to provide counselling and support to our school, families and staff in the days ahead.”

Police at the school on Friday morning. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Mr Platten thanked police and SA Ambulance for “support they gave” following the incident and assured parents that “all children are safe and the school remains open”.

Catholic Education SA executive director Neil McGoran said the safety and wellbeing of staff and students was an “absolute priority”.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the students, their families, school staff and those who witnessed this morning’s isolated incident at St Thomas More School, Elizabeth Park,” he said.

“Additional staff and counsellors are on site to support students and staff and we will continue to wrap around the school community in coming days.”