Girl, 14, charged with three counts of attempted murder after Manchester school knife attack as counter-terror police lead investigation
Counter Terrorism Policing North West is leading the inquiry into the Co-op Academy stabbing, though the incident has not been declared a terrorist attack, with the suspect due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
A 14-year-old girl has been charged with three counts of attempted murder after a knife attack at a Manchester school, counter-terror police have said.
A boy and a girl, both 14, and a 27-year-old male member of staff were stabbed at the Co-op Academy on Plant Hill Road in Blackley on Tuesday. All three have since been released from hospital with no serious injuries.
The suspect has also been charged with two counts of possessing a bladed article on school premises and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Friday.
Why are counter-terror police involved?
Counter Terrorism Policing North West is leading the investigation, but the incident has not been declared as a terrorist attack at this time, Greater Manchester Police said.
Det Ch Supt Jonathan Chadwick, head of Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said: "These are extremely serious charges against a young girl and, working closely with Greater Manchester Police, we continue to support the victims and their families and offer support to the wider school community, who have been deeply affected by what happened."
He added: "Although charges have now been secured, our investigation is still ongoing, and we continue to work with local policing colleagues in the Blackley area."
What happened earlier?
The suspect had been detained under the Mental Health Act before being released to police custody, GMP said.
The school was immediately placed into lockdown after the attack at around 8.30am on Tuesday. Staff detained the girl before police arrived. A Co-op Academy spokesperson said: "We are incredibly proud of the swift actions of our staff and the mature response of our pupils."
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where did the stabbing take place?
- The incident occurred at Co-op Academy on Plant Hill Road in the Blackley area of north Manchester.
- Were there any serious injuries?
- No. The three victims—two 14-year-old pupils and a 27-year-old staff member—were treated at the hospital and have since been discharged without serious injuries.
- Is this being treated as a terrorist incident?
- While Counter Terrorism Policing North West is leading the investigation, Greater Manchester Police have stated it is not currently declared a terrorist incident.