On June 9, 2023, Thomas Wei Huang, a 17-year-old student at Blundell's School in Tiverton, Devon, launched a brutal attack on two sleeping students and a teacher using hammers.

The assault resulted in severe injuries for the two students, including skull fractures and internal bleeding, with one suffering permanent brain damage, while the teacher, Henry Roffe-Silvester, was struck six times on the head but has since recovered.

A paramedic described the scene as 'worse than an Iraq warzone', highlighting the extensive bloodshed that occurred in the dormitory.

The incident was reported by another student who heard shouting and initially believed an intruder was present.

During the trial at Exeter Crown Court, prosecutors revealed that Huang had an obsession with one of the victims and a fascination with violence, while his defense claimed he was sleepwalking during the attack.

Huang was later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and was described as struggling with personal issues and having an unhealthy interest in violent themes, including a belief in a zombie apocalypse.

Detective Inspector Dave Egan characterized the attacks as unprovoked, brutal, and premeditated, indicating that Huang's intent was to kill.

Despite claiming to have no memory of the attacks due to sleepwalking, evidence presented during the trial suggested that Huang was conscious and had planned the assaults.

The judge, Mrs. Justice Cutts, emphasized the significant risk of reoffending and the premeditated nature of the attacks when imposing the sentence.

Huang was found guilty of three counts of attempted murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 12 years on November 1, 2024.

Post-incident, Huang expressed feelings of anxiety and remorse for his actions, further complicating the narrative surrounding his mental state.

Following the sentencing, restrictions on reporting Huang's identity were lifted, allowing his name to be published for the first time.