A 14-year-old girl is in police custody following a stabbing incident at Co-op Academy in Blackley, Manchester, which left three people injured. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, June 9, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
Incident Details
Police were called to the school on Plant Hill Road after reports of a stabbing. Staff quickly detained the girl to prevent further harm, and officers arrived shortly after. The 14-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault and remains in custody for questioning. Police have stated they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
The three injured individuals include a 14-year-old schoolgirl, a 14-year-old schoolboy, and a 27-year-old male staff member, believed to be a science teacher. All were taken to hospital, but their injuries are not believed to be serious, and they are in stable condition.
Witness Accounts
According to reports, the teacher was stabbed in the neck while attempting to wrestle a knife from the student as she attacked two pupils. One girl reportedly screamed, "I've been stabbed, I've been stabbed" as she fled. Another witness described the terrifying scene: "The teacher tried to get the knife off her but ended up being stabbed in the neck. She tried to get outside the classroom to attack other kids, but other teachers held the door closed on her. She eventually dropped the knife and was arrested."
A parent of a 14-year-old student expressed fear, stating, "It's very scary. My son said the science teacher was stabbed in the neck at the school. The government needs to do more to stop knife crime. It's terrifying this could happen in a school and this girl brought a knife into a classroom."
Police Response
Chief Inspector Jon Shilvock 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, and we thank everyone for their support as emergency services dealt with this. We are not looking for anyone further in connection with this incident. Officers will remain at the school and within the area to provide a visible presence and community reassurance."
Police and ambulance crews were photographed at the school entrance and throughout the premises. A helicopter was also spotted circling above before the situation calmed down. Pictures show a large crowd of pupils gathered outside the school gates. Jeff Lydiate, who came to pick his grandson up, learned about the incident through the news rather than the school. "It was really frightening, my daughter was very upset," he said, but he did not have to wait long for his grandson upon arrival.
