A 14-year-old female pupil was arrested on June 9 following a stabbing incident at Co-op Academy in Manchester that injured a 27-year-old male teacher and two 14-year-old students, one boy and one girl [1, 2]. The injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, according to police and school officials [1, 2].
The suspect was taken into custody on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and was held for questioning by authorities [1, 2]. Emergency services and police responded swiftly to the scene after the attack occurred at 8:30 a.m. local time [2]. The school was immediately placed under lockdown and later closed for the day, with plans to reopen on June 10 [1, 2].
Chief Inspector Jon Shilvock said, "We understand that this incident will have caused concern among pupils, staff and parents. The incident was dealt with swiftly by school staff before officers arrived, and there is no wider threat to the public" [2].
The attack has sparked fear among parents worried about knife crime among youths. One parent said, "You hear things on the news, but you never think it will happen at your child's school. For it to happen on your doorstep is terrifying" [2]. The British government is reportedly taking steps to combat youth knife crime, including efforts to curb illegal online sales of knives [1].
This incident follows a similar case in February when a 13-year-old boy was arrested for stabbing two boys at a London school [1].
Co-op Academy is set to resume classes on June 10 after the closure caused by the incident [2]. Authorities continue to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the stabbing [1, 2].
