Boy, 15, arrested over stabbing at Brent Council HQ

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a young man was found fatally stabbed in a building which houses Brent Council's headquarters and a library.

Emergency services were called at about 14:30 BST on Tuesday to Brent Civic Centre, near Wembley Stadium in north-west London, where the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said he had not yet been formally identified but he is believed to be 17-year-old David Wynter.

The boy was arrested on Tuesday, 25 August and is being held in police custody.

On Wednesday, one man who works in the area told BBC London the stabbing "felt normal".

"These things happen every single day here, in London and in the area. It's not a big surprise," he said.

"You see things like this happen all the time. You read the news and every single day there's something going on. If it's in Harrow, or Wembley, or Neasden, or Willesden or wherever, it doesn't come as a surprise."

However, one woman who lives in the area said the stabbing "came as a shock".

"I've never felt unsafe around here and it's a bit concerning," she said.

Student Demi said he felt "uneasy" after the stabbing.

"It's not really an unsafe area," he said. "It's a bit out of the ordinary.

"These things happen, unfortunately, but it's a bit strange to have it happen here."

Kate, another local resident, said: "Usually we feel very safe. We're fortunate living in this area because there are lots of security patrols and there are always people around.

"Stabbings are terrible tragedies, but it could happen anywhere, and I know there are areas of London that have to deal with that every day.

"I still feel safe. We're fortunate to live here with so much security; I wish that everyone lived in such an area."

Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said on Tuesday that the borough had been "shaken" by the "appalling and deeply tragic incident".

"Our thoughts are first and foremost with the victim, their family and loved ones, as well as the staff, residents and visitors who witnessed what happened," he said.

Butt said the Civic Centre would remain closed until further notice.

A Section 60 order is now in force across eight Brent wards, giving police enhanced stop and search powers.

It runs from 15:00 BST on Wednesday until 03:30 BST on Thursday.

Supt Chris Clarke, the Met's lead for emergency response policing in the area, said the force was urgently working to identify the victim and inform his next of kin.

"We recognise the concern this incident will cause within the local community and are committed to keeping residents informed as our inquiries progress," he said.

"In light of the incident, we have authorised additional stop-and-search powers to help prevent further violence, support our investigation, and keep people safe.

"There will be an increased police presence in and around the area in the coming hours while our officers continue their investigation."

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