Knife attack at vocational school in Ostrołęka leaves eight injured
A 19-year-old allegedly attacked pupils and teachers at a vocational school campus in Ostrołęka; two victims are in serious condition.
On 7 October 2026 a knife attack at a vocational school complex in Ostrołęka, Poland left at least eight people injured, two of them seriously, authorities said. The suspected attacker — a 19-year-old — has been arrested, police reported.
The incident occurred at the vocational school campus in Ostrołęka, a town roughly 100 kilometres north of Warsaw with about 48,000 residents. Both pupils and teachers were among the wounded.
Witnesses said the assailant moved through part of the school grounds wielding a knife and people shouted for help, calling out “Help!” and “Call the police!”. Emergency services — police, firefighters and ambulance crews — arrived quickly at the scene.
Police said the suspect left the school grounds after the attack and was detained on the outskirts of the town. An investigation into the possible motive is underway.
Pawel Niewiadomski, the mayor of Ostrołęka, said the situation is under control and announced that psychological support will be provided to affected pupils and staff. The vocational school complex has been closed until further notice, and classes in other schools across the town were suspended.
Local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the assault and the condition of the injured; more information is expected as the probe progresses.
Photo: press material from the event
