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A heroic science teacher wounded when he stepped in to protect pupils during a school stabbing has been pictured – as a 14-year-old girl is charged with attempted murder.
Maysum Abdullah, 27, suffered injuries to his neck and hand after intervening when a girl allegedly attacked fellow students with a knife at Co-op Academy Higher in Blackley, Manchester.
A 14-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy were also injured during the incident on Tuesday morning, before staff restrained the suspect.
A 14-year-old girl was charged with attempted murder over the attack and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, counter-terror police said on Thursday evening.
She faces three charges of attempted murder and two charges of possessing a knife on school grounds, after being arrested and detained under the Mental Health Act.
The secondary school on Plant Hill Road, Blackley, was placed into lockdown shortly after lessons began on Tuesday morning, as emergency services raced to the scene.
Mr Abdullah, who was released from hospital following treatment, spoke briefly about his condition as police continued their investigation.
He said: ‘I’m recovering, but I am in a lot of pain. I have also been approached by the police to give a comment in relation to what happened. I’m not in the position or frame of mind to give any further comments.’
The married father-of-one confirmed he sustained wounds to his neck and hand as it was also announced that Counter Terrorism Policing would now lead the investigation with support from Greater Manchester Police.
Police confirmed the attack has not at this time been declared a terrorist incident.
Det Chief Supt 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, and we continue to work with local policing colleagues in the Blackley area.’
Mr Abdullah’s wife, Samia, paid tribute to her husband in an emotional social media post, describing the shock of learning he had been stabbed while protecting children in his classroom.
She wrote: ‘Yesterday, I received the devastating news that my husband had been stabbed whilst trying to protect pupils from a serious knife attack in his classroom.
‘No one ever expects to receive a phone call telling them that their loved one has been taken to the hospital after being stabbed.
‘I am grateful that his injuries were not life threatening, the wound on his neck and his hand have been treated, however these physical wounds are only part of what our family is now facing.
‘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.
‘Our prayers are with the other two pupils who also suffered injuries and to all the students and staff who witnessed such a traumatic event.
‘Thank you to all colleagues, family, friends, hospital staff, the police and members of the community for their support, kindness and wishes during this difficult time.’
Students and parents have since praised Mr Abdullah’s actions, with many describing him as a dedicated teacher who put himself in harm’s way to protect others.
One pupil wrote online: ‘I’m a student that goes to that school and Mr Abdullah was the nicest teacher there.
‘The fact he risked his life for two children he’s only taught for a few months is truly great for everyone.’
Another simply added: ‘We love Mr Abdullah.’
A parent said: ‘It’s very scary. My son said the science teacher was stabbed in the neck at the school. The government needs to do more to stop knife crime. It’s terrifying this could happen in a school.’
Police said the injured teacher and the two pupils were all treated in hospital before being discharged.
Mr Abdullah joined the school in September 2024 as a science teacher. He previously studied clinical science at the University of Bradford after completing his education at Heckmondwike Grammar School.
Detectives have urged the public not to speculate online as enquiries continue.
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.’
The Co-op Academies Trust said staff acted swiftly to prevent further injuries after the knife was brought onto the school site.
A spokesperson said: ‘Shortly after the start of the school day, an incident occurred on site involving a pupil with a knife.
‘The school was immediately placed into lockdown, and staff acted bravely to quickly detain a student before emergency services arrived.
‘Greater Manchester Police arrested the student, who remains in custody. Police have confirmed this was an isolated incident with no wider threat to the public.
‘Three people, two pupils and a member of staff sustained injuries. They were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure, where they are in a stable condition with injuries not believed to be serious.
‘While our policies outline strict screening and search powers in line with Department for Education guidance, weapons can unfortunately be small and easily concealed without prior indicators.’
