Girl charged with attempted murder after Manchester school stabbing
A 14-year-old girl has been charged with three counts of attempted murder following a stabbing attack at a Manchester school and is due to appear in court on Friday.
He also faces two charges of possessing a bladed article on school premises, police said Thursday evening. He is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London.
Two 14-year-old students and a 27-year-old male staff member were injured in the incident at the Co-op Academy on Plant Hill Road in Blackley on Tuesday morning, according to Greater Manchester Police.
The girl, who was detained within the scope of the Mental Health Law, was released after the evaluation of the medical teams.
Police said due to the circumstances surrounding the incident, the investigation has been handed over to counter-terrorism officers, but the incident has not been declared a terrorist incident at this time.
Detective Superintendent Jonathan Chadwick, chief of North West Counter Terrorism Police, said: “These are extremely serious allegations against a young girl and we continue to support the victims and their families, working closely with Manchester Police and offer support to the wider school community who are deeply affected by what happened.
“Although charges have now been secured, our investigation is still ongoing and we continue to work with our local police colleagues in the Blackley area.”
Police previously said all three injured people were released from hospital and there were no serious injuries.
Chief Inspector Jon Shilvock said: “Our thoughts are with those injured and caught up in the incident.
“Whilst physical injuries are not believed to be serious, we know the impact on those involved or witnessed the incident will be significant and we want to reassure our community that we are taking this very seriously.
“As our investigation progresses, we are aware that names related to the incident are circulating on social media and are of no use to the investigation.
“This also creates concern for the victims and those affected, so we would like to emphasize that people are not speculating about this incident.”
If you are experiencing feelings of distress or finding it difficult to cope, you can speak to Samaritans confidentially on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org or visit . Samaritans Website to find details of your nearest branch
If you are a US resident and you or someone you know needs mental health help right now, call or text 988 or visit: 988lifeline.org To access online chat on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis helpline available to anyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country you can go www.befrienders.org To find a helpline near you
