Girl, 14, charged in connection with triple stabbing at school in Manchester

A 14-year-old girl has been charged after three people were stabbed at Co-op Academy Manchester in Blackley, with counter-terrorism officers continuing to examine the motive behind the attack.

Greater Manchester Police said she faces three counts of attempted murder and two counts of possessing a bladed article on school premises. The case involves two 14-year-old pupils and a 27-year-old male staff member, all of whom suffered injuries that police said were not life-threatening.

The school was placed into lockdown on Tuesday morning, June 9, after the stabbing. Police said the injured pupils and staff member were later discharged from hospital.

How the case developed

Police initially arrested a schoolgirl on suspicion of section 18 assault after the incident. They later said the suspect had also been detained under the Mental Health Act before being returned to police custody.

By Thursday night, major UK outlets reported that the suspect had been charged. Further reporting on Friday confirmed the attempted-murder charges and said the girl was due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 12, 2026.

Police position on motive

Counter-terrorism officers from North West England are leading the investigation, but police have not described the attack as terrorism. Officers have said they are keeping an open mind on motive and have said there is no information indicating any further threat to the public.

The incident has prompted wider concern about school safety and knife crime, as well as reassurance efforts for families and the local community after the lockdown and injuries at the academy.

What happens next

The suspect's first court appearance was expected on June 12. Police have not publicly set out what evidence led to the move from the initial arrest to attempted-murder charges, and they have not provided further detail on motive.