Co-op Academy in Manchester has praised the bravery of its staff following a triple stabbing at the school that left a male member of staff and two pupils injured. The incident occurred on the morning of June 8, prompting an immediate lockdown and a swift response from emergency services.
Details of the Incident
Emergency services rushed to the school on Plant Hill Road in Blackley after reports of a serious incident involving a pupil with a knife. A 14-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault and remains in custody for questioning. Police have confirmed they are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.
The victims include a 14-year-old schoolgirl, a 14-year-old schoolboy, and a 27-year-old male member of staff. They were taken to hospital with injuries that are thankfully not believed to be serious. According to reports, the male staff member, a science teacher, was stabbed in the neck as he attempted to wrestle the knife from the student.
School Statement
Co-op Academies Trust, which runs the high school, issued a statement regarding the incident. 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 spokesperson added: "Greater Manchester Police arrested the student, who remains in custody. Police have confirmed this was an isolated incident with no wider threat to the public. Three people, two pupils and a member of staff sustained injuries. They were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure, where they are in a stable condition with injuries not believed to be serious."
Regarding security measures, the spokesperson noted: "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. We had no reason to conduct a search on any student this morning."
School Reopening and Support
The school will provide full support to students and staff. The spokesperson said: "We are incredibly proud of the swift actions of our staff and the mature response of our pupils. School will reopen as normal tomorrow, Wednesday 10th June. Full emotional support will be in place for pupils, and local officers will maintain a reassuring presence in the area."
