A 14-year-old schoolgirl has been arrested after a stabbing at Co-op Academy Manchester in Blackley, which left three people injured during the school day on Monday, 9 June.

The incident took place on Plant Hill Road, prompting an immediate lockdown of the secondary school and a major response from emergency services. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the suspect, also 14, was detained by staff before officers arrived at the scene. She has been arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault—grievous bodily harm with intent—which is a serious offence reflecting the severity of the attack.

According to police, a 27-year-old male staff member sustained a stab wound to the neck, while a 14-year-old pupil suffered a shoulder injury and another 14-year-old pupil, a boy, received an ear injury. All three were taken to hospital with injuries described as non-serious and remain in a stable condition, officers said.

Headteacher Phill Quirk confirmed that all students were accounted for and safe, adding that the incident had been contained. The school remained closed for the remainder of the day to allow for police investigations, with crime scene investigators seen at the gates. Support has been offered to students and staff affected by the event.

For the Oldham community, this news will be deeply concerning. While the attack occurred in Blackley, approximately 15 minutes' drive from Oldham town centre, it highlights shared anxieties about safety in educational settings across Greater Manchester. Local families may reflect on security protocols in Oldham schools, and education authorities in the borough are likely to review their own measures in light of the incident.

Greater Manchester Police have stressed that there is no wider threat to the public and that the investigation is ongoing. Officers have appealed for anyone with information to come forward, and inquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances of the stabbing.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges schools face, and Oldham.News will provide updates as further details emerge. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and report any concerns to local authorities.