Detectives investigating a horror school stabbing that left two pupils and a teacher in hospital with knife wounds have released a major new update. The incident occurred at Co-op Academy in Blackley, Greater Manchester, on Tuesday morning around 8:30 am, prompting a full lockdown. Police rushed to the scene and arrested a 14-year-old schoolgirl on suspicion of section 18 assault.
Injuries and Response
A boy and girl, both aged 14, and a 27-year-old male teacher were rushed to hospital after being slashed. Fortunately, they are recovering with injuries not deemed serious. The girl victim suffered injuries to the shoulder, the schoolboy sustained an injury to the ear, while the teacher was stabbed in the neck, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
GMP has now revealed that the teenage suspect has been detained under the Mental Health Act. The force stated that the shocking incident remains under investigation. Police said staff quickly detained the girl to ensure no further harm came to pupils or staff before officers arrived.
School Response and Community Impact
The school, which has since reopened, said the site was immediately placed under lockdown procedures and staff acted bravely in detaining the student. Co-op Academy praised its staff and pupils, stating: "We are incredibly proud of the swift actions of our staff and the mature response of our pupils." Co-op Academies Trust added: "While our policies outline strict screening and search powers in line with Department for Education guidance, weapons can unfortunately be small and easily concealed without prior indicators."
Many parents expressed terror over the incident, highlighting fears about youth knife crime following a number of knife attacks at UK schools. Peter Woods, father of a year-nine pupil, rushed to the school after receiving a call: "You hear things on the news but it's always in other schools. You never think it will be in the school where your kid goes. For it to happen on your doorstep, it's terrifying." Abel Lemos, who has a daughter in year seven, said: "I worry about knives in school, it has become common on the news in the last few years."
Police Investigation and Warning
As part of its investigation, GMP said it was aware of and looking into social media posts regarding the attack but warned that it is an ongoing live investigation, urging people not to speculate. Chief Inspector Jon Shilvock said: "Our investigation has continued at pace since yesterday morning. Our thoughts are with those that were injured and were caught up in the incident. Whilst the physical injuries were not believed to be serious, we know the impact to those involved or witnesses will be significant. We want to reassure our community we are taking this very seriously. As our investigation progresses, we are aware that names relating to the incident are being circulated on social media, which is unhelpful and causing concern. We would stress that people do not speculate regarding this incident."
Police have confirmed this was an isolated incident with no wider threat to the public.
