One dead and two seriously injured in sword attack at Sweden school

One person has died and two others have been left seriously injured after an 18-year-old with a sword attacked a school in central Sweden on Friday.

The attack took place at the Brinell School in Fagersta, northwest of the capital, Stockholm, shortly after 2pm, while classes were in session with about 400 to 500 students in attendance, police said.

One person was found dead at the scene, and three people were injured, two of them seriously, a police statement said.

The teen suspect was arrested at the scene and shots were fired by officers, Police Chief Tommy Alriksson told journalists at a press conference.

“We have no reason at this time to believe that there are multiple perpetrators,” Alriksson said, adding that an investigation was continuing.

The police have carried out a number of investigative measures linked to the teenager, including two house searches, officers said.

The motives for the attack remain unclear.

Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described the attack as a “horrific act” that had shaken the community and thanked those who part of the emergency response.

“As the police have reported, one person has lost their life and three people have been injured,” Kristersson wrote on X.

“Our thoughts today go to them, and to their relatives and friends. We are also thinking of all the others who were at the school – students and school staff whose schoolday turned into a nightmare.

“We also know that several schools in the municipality today had to provide shelter. Many anxious families waited for hours.”

He continued: “Now is the time to pull together and support all those who need support. In due course, the important questions about the motive will also become clear. I strongly urge everyone to now let the police work undisturbed to solve this horrific crime.

“Today is a dark day in Sweden. Think of all those affected today, and give your own loved ones an extra tight hug this very evening.”