Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that a 14-year-old schoolgirl arrested after a triple stabbing at a north Manchester high school has now been detained under the Mental Health Act. The incident occurred at Co-op Academy Manchester on Plant Hill Road in Blackley on Tuesday morning, June 9.
Details of the Incident
Emergency services responded to reports of a stabbing at the school shortly after the start of the school day. Three individuals—a 14-year-old schoolgirl, a 14-year-old schoolboy, and a 27-year-old male member of staff—suffered knife wounds. All three were taken to hospital, where they were assessed and later released with injuries not believed to be serious.
Staff at the school acted quickly to detain the girl, preventing further harm until police arrived. The suspect was initially arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault. In an update on Wednesday evening, police stated she had been detained under the Mental Health Act.
Police Investigation Ongoing
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that their investigation into the incident is ongoing. They are also looking into social media posts related to the incident, urging the public not to speculate. Chief Inspector Jon Shilvock of GMP's City of Manchester North division said: "Our investigation has continued at pace since yesterday morning... We are aware that names relating to the incident are being circulated on social media which are unhelpful for the investigation."
He added: "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 that were involved or were witnesses to this will be significant."
School Response
The Co-op Academies Trust, which runs the school, issued a statement praising the response of staff and pupils. A spokesperson said: "Shortly after the start of the school day, an incident occurred on site involving a pupil with a knife. The school was immediately placed into lockdown, and staff acted bravely to quickly detain a student before emergency services arrived."
The school confirmed that it would reopen as normal on Wednesday, June 10, with full emotional support in place for pupils and a police presence in the area to reassure the community.
Community Reassurance
Chief Inspector Shilvock assured the community that officers would remain in the area to provide support and ensure safety. He urged anyone with concerns to speak to officers. The school also emphasized that this was an isolated incident with no wider threat to the public.
