Counter-terrorism police leading probe into school stabbing in Manchester
Counter-terrorism officers are leading the investigation into a stabbing at a Manchester school, according to police.
Manchester Police said two students, both aged 14, and a 27-year-old male staff member were injured in a stabbing attack at the Co-op Academy in Blackley on Tuesday morning.
On Thursday evening the force announced that, following further investigation, Counter Terrorism Police North West was leading the investigation, with support from Greater Manchester Police.
Police added that the incident has not been declared a terrorist incident at this time.
The 14-year-old girl, who was arrested on suspicion of assault and later detained under the Mental Health Law, was released after the evaluation by medical teams.
All three injured people were released from hospital and there were no serious injuries.
Manchester Commander Detective Chief Inspector David Meeney said: “Our local detectives have been rapidly investigating this incident since we arrested a schoolgirl suspect on Tuesday morning.
“He is being detained in Manchester.
“This includes having the suspect checked by healthcare professionals to carry out an assessment under the Mental Health Act and investigate all available evidence to understand why this incident occurred.
“Since our last update further information has come to light which we have reported to the North West Counter Terrorism Constabulary.
“I know this update will only continue to concern our local community from Tuesday’s events.
“There is no information to indicate any further threat and our local officers remain in the area.
“We are here to listen and take action, so please speak to our officers about your concerns.”
Police previously said staff at the school, on Plant Hill Road, were quick to detain a girl after the incident to ensure there was no further harm to students or staff before officers arrived shortly afterwards.
It was learned that the school was quarantined after the incident.
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