Co-op Academy Manchester stabbing triggers counter‑terrorism investigation

On 9 June 2026 a knife attack at Co‑op Academy on Plant Hill Road in Blackley, Manchester injured three people: 14‑year‑old pupils (a girl with a shoulder wound and a boy with an ear injury) and 27‑year‑old teacher Maysum Abdullah, who suffered neck and hand wounds. The suspect, a 14‑year‑old girl, was arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault and later detained under the Mental Health Act.

Greater Manchester Police announced that Counter‑terrorism Policing North West has taken primary responsibility for the investigation, although the incident has not been classified as terrorism. Chief Superintendent David Meeney said, “There is no information to indicate any further threat.”

The academy was placed in lockdown while staff detained the suspect. All three victims were released from hospital with non‑life‑threatening injuries.

The following day, Co‑op Academy Walkden in Salford kept pupils indoors after a report of an individual with a knife; police attended and found no weapon. The precautionary measure was linked to the Manchester stabbing, and authorities continue to investigate the motives and any broader risk.