A heroic teacher, Maysum Abdullah, 27, was stabbed in the neck during a triple stabbing at Co-op Academy Manchester on Plant Hill Road in Blackley on Tuesday morning, June 9. The investigation is now being led by counter terrorism police, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed on Thursday evening, June 11, though it has not been declared a terrorist incident 'at this time'.
Incident Details
Mr. Abdullah rushed to protect students as the school was locked down following reports of a pupil with a knife. The child was quickly detained by staff, school bosses said. Three people were injured: a 14-year-old girl with a shoulder injury, a 14-year-old boy with an ear injury, and Mr. Abdullah with injuries to his neck and hand. All are now recovering at home, and none of the injuries were deemed serious.
Arrest and Detention
A 14-year-old schoolgirl was arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault before being detained under the Mental Health Act. She has since been released into police custody following an assessment by health professionals.
Counter Terrorism Involvement
On Thursday, GMP stated that 'as a result of further enquiries, Counter Terrorism Policing North West have now taken primacy for the investigation with the support of Greater Manchester Police.' Searches remain ongoing, and detectives are keeping an open mind about the motivation. 'At this time, it has not been declared as a terrorist incident,' a statement added.
Teacher's Account
Mr. Abdullah, speaking to the Manchester Evening News while recovering at home with his wife, said he was still 'trying to process' the events and asked for privacy. His wife, Saima, took to TikTok to thank supporters, saying: 'No one ever expects to receive a phone call telling them that their loved one has been taken to the hospital after being stabbed. I am grateful that his injuries were not life threatening. My husband entered teaching to make a positive difference in young people's lives and he is truly a hero for protecting and safeguarding those children.'
Police Statement
Chief Superintendent David Meeney, Commander for Manchester, said: 'Our local detectives have been investigating this incident at pace. Since our last update, further information has come to light that we have made Counter Terrorism Policing North West aware of. There is no information to indicate any further threat, and our local officers continue to be in the area.'
School Response
Co-op Academies Trust, which runs the school, 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. We are incredibly proud of the swift actions of our staff and the mature response of our pupils.'
