Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said:
“Like many people across Brent, I have barely slept since the terrible and tragic events of yesterday. We now know that the police believe the young man who died was David Wynter, aged just 17. Seventeen years old is no age at all - he had his whole life ahead of him.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family, his friends and everyone who knew and loved him. I cannot begin to imagine the pain they are experiencing today, and I hope that somehow, through the darkest of days, better moments will find them.
“David lost his life following this terrible incident, and I am deeply sorry that despite the efforts of those who rushed to help him, he could not be saved.
“The council staff and members of the public who provided medical aid, and used bleed kits in an effort to save his life are heroes. They showed qualities we should all be proud of, courage, compassion, and decency.
“Tonight, I have one heartfelt plea: if you know anything more that could help the police understand what happened, please come forward. However small or insignificant you think that information may be, tell the police. David’s family deserves answers and justice must be allowed to take its course.
“And please, do not allow this tragedy to lead to another. Nothing good can come from another family receiving the phone call that no family should ever have to receive. We cannot allow one life lost to become the pretext for another. Let us come together as a community and make sure that no harm comes to others in David’s name.
“Brent Council will not rest in our determination to see the scourge of knife crime relegated to the history books. We will continue working with the Metropolitan Police, our schools, youth services, community organisations, and families to prevent violence, support those at risk and keep our communities safe.
“If you are going out into the world carrying a knife, surrender it safely in one of Brent’s knife amnesty bins and take the path that leads away from violence.
“Reach out, there are so many people across our borough who will listen, support you and help without a moment’s hesitation.
“For now, my thoughts remain with David, his family, his friends and everyone whose life has been changed forever by what happened yesterday.”
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police on 101, quoting reference 4032/25AUG or you can provide information anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Statement on serious incident at Brent Civic Centre
On 25 August 2026, Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said:
“Today, Brent has been shaken by an appalling and deeply tragic incident at the Civic Centre, in which a person has lost their life.
“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.
“The Civic Centre has been evacuated and will remain closed until further notice. I would urge people to avoid the area and allow the police and emergency services to carry out their work.
“There is an active police investigation underway - please do not speculate or repeat any unverified claims online. We are working closely with the Metropolitan Police and will provide further updates as soon as we are able.
“I want to express my sincere thanks to the police, paramedics and emergency services for their swift response, and to our staff for the professionalism, compassion and calm they have shown today in the most difficult of circumstances.”
