A staff member was slashed in the neck and two students were injured in a stabbing incident at a school in Manchester. The attack occurred at Co-op Academy Manchester on Plant Hill Road in Blackley on Tuesday morning, June 9. Emergency services rushed to the scene after reports of a stabbing at the high school.
Lockdown and Arrest
The school was placed on lockdown, with pupils instructed to remain in their classrooms. A 14-year-old girl was detained at the scene by staff to prevent further harm. She was subsequently arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault and taken into custody for questioning.
Victims and Injuries
Three individuals were injured: a 14-year-old schoolgirl, a 14-year-old schoolboy, and a 27-year-old male staff member. All were transported to hospital. Police described their injuries as non-serious, and all victims are stable. The male staff member sustained a stab wound to the neck. The 14-year-old girl suffered a knife injury to her shoulder, while the 14-year-old boy had a knife injury to his ear.
Police Response
Crime scene investigators were seen outside the school gates as an investigation was launched. Large crowds of concerned parents gathered to collect their children. Chief Inspector Jon Shilvock stated that there is no wider threat to the community. He said: 'We understand that this incident will have caused concern to pupils, staff and the wider school community. The incident was swiftly and quickly dealt with by staff before officers attending to arrest the girl. There is believed to be no wider threat at this time.'
School Closure
Headteacher Phill Quirk sent a message to parents confirming the school would remain closed for the rest of the day. The message said: 'Dear parents and carers. You will be aware that there has been an incident at Co-op Academy Manchester this morning. We can confirm that everyone is safe and the incident has been contained. However we have made the decision to close the school for the remainder of the day.' Parents were asked to contact their children to grant permission for them to leave.
Officers will remain at the school and in the area to provide a visible presence and community reassurance.
