A 14-year-old girl has been charged with three counts of attempted murder after a stabbing at a Manchester school that left two teenagers and a man with knife wounds — with counter-terror police now leading the investigation.
The attack took place on Tuesday, June 9, at the Co-op Academy Manchester on Plant Hill Road in Blackley. Police were called to reports of a stabbing, and the injured — two 14-year-olds and a 27-year-old man — were taken to hospital.
“A 14-year-old girl charged with attempted murder after triple stabbing at Manchester school; counter-terror police lead investigation.”
Following authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service, the girl was charged on Thursday, June 11, with three counts of attempted murder and two charges of possessing a bladed article on school premises. She is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Friday, June 12.
“These are extremely serious charges against a young girl,” said Det Chief Supt Jonathan Chadwick, head of counter terrorism policing north west. “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.
“Although charges have now been secured, our investigation is still ongoing, and we continue to work with local policing colleagues in the Blackley area.”
The decision by counter-terror police to lead the probe has raised questions about the possible motive, but no further details have been released by authorities. The girl, who cannot be named because of her age, remains in custody ahead of her court appearance.