Manchester school stabbing investigation taken over by counter-terrorism police

Counter-terrorism police have taken over the investigation into a stabbing at a Manchester school in which two pupils and a teacher were injured.

The attack took place on Tuesday at the Co-op Academy on Plant Hill Road in the Blackley area.

A 14-year-old girl was later arrested on suspicion of assault and detained under the Mental Health Act. Following an assessment she was then released to police custody, Greater Manchester Police said.

Counter Terrorism Policing North West said it had now "taken primacy for the investigation with the support of Greater Manchester Police".

"Searches relating to the investigation remain ongoing and counter terrorism detectives are keeping an open mind to the motivation of the attack," it added.

"At this time, it has not been declared as a terrorist incident."

The injured boy and girl, both aged 14, and the 27-year-old teacher have since been released from hospital with no serious injuries.

Ch Supt David Meeney said: "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."