Counter-terror unit investigates triple stabbing at Manchester school
A 14-year-old girl has been arrested after two students and a staff member were stabbed at a school in Manchester, with the investigation now led by counter-terrorism police.
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that a counter-terrorism unit is leading the investigation into a triple stabbing at the Co-op Academy in Blackley. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, leading to the arrest of a 14-year-old girl. She was taken into custody on suspicion of assault and has been detained under the Mental Health Act.
Detectives are keeping an open mind about the motive and have not declared it a terrorist incident. However, Chief Superintendent David Meeney, district commander for Manchester, stated that new information had emerged, prompting the involvement of Counter-Terrorism Policing North-West. He added that there is no indication of any ongoing threat and that local officers remain in the area.
The victims include two 14-year-old students—a boy and a girl—and a 27-year-old male staff member. All sustained stab wounds described as non-serious and have been discharged from hospital.
Following the attack, the school was placed in lockdown, with students instructed to stay in their classrooms. Within an hour, a large crowd of students, parents, and bystanders gathered outside. Some parents complained about a lack of communication from the school, relying on texts from their children to understand what had happened. The school later sent a message to parents confirming an incident but stating that everyone was safe.
