A tragic incident has unfolded at a secondary school in the city of Nantes, western France, where a student was killed in a violent knife attack on Wednesday, 23 April.

According to local authorities, the attacker — reportedly a 15-year-old fellow student — launched the assault on school grounds during the school day. Three other students sustained injuries in the incident and were treated at the scene and later taken to hospital. Their conditions are not believed to be life-threatening.

Police said the suspect was subdued by quick-thinking teachers before law enforcement officers arrived at the scene. The teenager was subsequently taken into custody.

Officials have confirmed that, at this stage, there is no evidence pointing to a terrorist motive. The motive for the attack remains under investigation.

French Education Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra expressed her sorrow in a post on social media, saying:

My thoughts are with the family, friends, and classmates of the young victim. We stand with the entire school community in Nantes during this horrific time.”

The school has been temporarily closed, and psychological support teams have been deployed to assist traumatised students and staff.

President Emmanuel Macron is being kept informed of developments, while local officials have called for calm as the investigation continues.

This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.