Maysum Abdullah was in his classroom at Co-op Academy Manchester when a 14-year-old girl allegedly began stabbing students. The 27-year-old teacher intervened, sustaining knife wounds to his neck and hand in the process. He has since been called a “hero” by his wife, Saima, who said on TikTok: “I received the devastating news that my husband had been stabbed whilst trying to protect pupils from a serious knife attack in his classroom. … My husband entered teaching to make a positive difference in young people's lives and he is truly a hero for protecting and safeguarding those children.”
Two 14-year-old pupils were also injured in the attack, which happened on Tuesday morning at the school on Plant Hill Road in Blackley, north Manchester. All three victims have since been discharged from hospital and suffered no serious injuries, Greater Manchester Police confirmed.
“Teacher Maysum Abdullah stabbed protecting pupils; 14-year-old girl charged with attempted murder in Manchester school attack.”
On Friday, the 14-year-old suspect appeared via videolink at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, charged with three counts of attempted murder and two counts of possessing a bladed article on school premises. She spoke only to confirm her name, date of birth and address. District Judge Briony Clarke told her: “Because of the seriousness of the charges that you face, I have to send this matter to the crown court.” The teenager was remanded to youth detention accommodation and will next appear at the Old Bailey on June 19.
Counter Terrorism Police are leading the investigation, though it has not been declared a terrorist incident. The suspect was initially detained under the Mental Health Act and later released to police custody after a health assessment. Detective Chief Superintendent 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. … Although charges have now been secured, our investigation is still ongoing.”
Abdullah, recovering at home with his wife, told the Manchester Evening News he was still “trying to process” the incident. Saima added: “No one ever expects to receive a phone call telling them that their loved one has been taken to hospital after being stabbed. I am grateful that his injuries were not life-threatening. … These physical wounds are only part of what our family is now facing.”