Counter-terror police investigating stabbing in Manchester school after two pupils and staff member injured

Counter-terrorism police have taken the helm of an investigation into a stabbing at a Manchester school on Tuesday.

Two pupils, both aged 14, and a member of staff, 27, were injured in a knife attack at the Co-op Academy in Blackley, according to Greater Manchester Police.

The force have this evening confirmed Counter Terrorism Policing North West is now leading the investigation, with support from Greater Manchester Police.

At this time, the attack has not been declared a terrorist incident.

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A 14-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of assault and later detained under the Mental Health Act - now released to police custody following an assessment by health professionals.

All three who were injured have been released from hospital and suffered no serious injuries.

The incident saw a number of emergency response vehicles arrive on the scene, alongside a police helicopter.

Students were reportedly told to stay in their classrooms while police arrived, enacting emergency lockdown procedures.

Police said on Tuesday: "Officers responded to an incident at a school on Plant Hill Road, Blackley where a schoolgirl has been arrested.

"Three people have been injured however injuries aren't believed to be serious at this time.

"There is not believed to be any wider threat to the pupils and staff in the school".

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Chief Superintendent David Meeney, today said: “Our local detectives have been investigating this incident at pace ever since we arrested a schoolgirl suspect on Tuesday morning. She remains in custody in Manchester.

“This has included ensuring the suspect is checked by health professionals to make an assessment while under the Mental Health Act, and to explore all available evidence to understand why this incident took place.

“Since our last update, further information has come to light that we have made Counter Terrorism Policing North West aware of.

“I know this update will only continue to make our local community concerned by Tuesday’s events. There is no information to indicate any further threat, and our local officers continue to be in the area.

​“We are here to listen and to act, so please speak to our officers with any concerns.”

The Co-op Academy on Plant Hill Road is a mixed secondary school with students aged between 11 and 16.

The school, which facilitates around 1,650 pupils, was the site of a separate stabbing incident in 2022, when an 11-year-old girl was knifed in the shoulder nearby.

The academy was rated Good in its most recent Ofsted inspection.

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