An 11-year-old boy who allegedly stabbed another student at school will not be charged for the crime because he is too young to be prosecuted.
The 11-year-old was questioned by police over the stabbing of an eight-year-old at Brentwood Park Primary School in Melbourne’s south-east at 9am on Thursday.
The alleged attack happened in Berwick just as the bell rang for school to begin.
Emergency services treated the alleged victim for non-life-threatening injuries at the scene.
Two schools were briefly put into lockdown as the incident played out as a female staff member of Brentwood Park Primary was also treated for minor injuries.
Officers took the 11-year-old boy to hospital for assessment after their questioning ended.
Reports from the day suggested the alleged child attacker, believed to be in Grade 5, assaulted a teacher before running off and attacking a Grade 1 and a Grade 2 pupil.
A search of the child’s bag allegedly uncovered two other kitchen knives.
An 11-year-old child who allegedly stabbed another student at school will avoid charges because the age of criminal responsibility in Victoria is 12
Brentwood Park Primary School was placed into lockdown after a stabbing
On Friday, however, Victoria Police announced that no charges would be laid over the alleged attack because the children were too young.
‘The 11-year-old boy will not be charged as the minimum age of criminal responsibility is 12,’ a spokesperson said in a statement.
‘Victoria Police continue to work with government partners to ensure all those involved are supported.’
The Department of Education confirmed it was supporting the injured student and staff member on Thursday.
Anybody else who may need support has also been offered assistance from the department.
