A schoolgirl has been arrested following a knife attack at a secondary school in Manchester that left three people injured.
Emergency services were called to the Co-op Academy on Plant Hill Road in Blackley on Tuesday morning.
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The school, which has about 1,560 pupils aged 11 to 16, was placed into immediate lockdown as police and ambulance crews responded.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the victims did not suffer life-threatening wounds. The incident was contained within the school premises.
“Officers are currently responding to an incident at a school on Plant Hill Road, Blackley where a schoolgirl has been arrested.
Three people have been injured however injuries aren’t believed to be serious at this time,” police said in a statement.
“Emergency services remain on scene and we are supporting the school. There is not believed to be any wider threat to the pupils and staff in the school.”
Large crowds of anxious parents gathered outside the school gates after learning about the stabbings, many seeking to collect their children.
Headteacher Phill Quirk announced the school would close for the rest of the day. In a message to parents, he said: “Dear parents & carers.
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You will be aware that there has been an incident at Co-op Academy Manchester this morning.
We can confirm that everyone is safe and the incident has been contained.
“However we have made the decision to close the school for the remainder of the day.
We are speaking with parents and carers to obtain permission for children to leave.
If we haven’t yet spoken with you, please contact your child through their mobile phone or send an Arbor message.
“Once a member of staff has seen and verified this permission, students will be allowed to leave the site.”
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A significant police presence remains outside the academy grounds as investigations continue into the circumstances of the attack.
