School stabbing investigation taken over by counter-terrorism police

Officers were called to reports of a stabbing at a school on Plant Hill Road on Tuesday, June 9.

Following further enquiries, Counter Terrorism Policing North West has assumed responsibility for the investigation, supported by Greater Manchester Police.

Searches connected to the incident remain ongoing.

Detectives from the counter terrorism unit said they are keeping an open mind regarding the motivation behind the attack.

A 14-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault and detained under the Mental Health Act.

After being assessed by health professionals, she was released back into police custody.

The three people injured in the incident have all been discharged from hospital and, police said, suffered no serious injuries.

The incident has not been declared a terrorist attack at this stage.

Chief Superintendent David Meeney, Commander for Manchester, said: “Our local detectives have been investigating this incident at pace ever since we arrested a schoolgirl suspect on Tuesday morning.

“She remains in custody in Manchester.

“This has included ensuring the suspect is checked by health professionals to make an assessment while under the Mental Health Act, and to explore all available evidence to understand why this incident took place.

“Since our last update, further information has come to light that we have made Counter Terrorism Policing North West aware of.

“I know this update will only continue to make our local community concerned by Tuesday’s events.

“There is no information to indicate any further threat, and our local officers continue to be in the area.

“We are here to listen and to act, so please speak to our officers with any concerns.”