The teacher who was stabbed while protecting students during a knife attack at a secondary school in Manchester has been named.
Maysum Abdullah, 27, has been called a “hero” after he intervened in the attack at Co-op Academy Manchester on Plant Hill Road in Blackley on Tuesday.
A 14-year-old girl has been charged with three counts of attempted murder following the incident and is due to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on Friday.
Another two 14-year-old pupils were injured in the incident, Greater Manchester Police said.
Mr Abdullah told the Manchester Evening News he was recovering at home with his wife and still “trying to process” the incident. The Independent has reached out to him for comment.
The two other victims have also been released from the hospital and suffered no serious injuries.
His wife Saima said he was a “hero” for protecting the children. She wrote on TikTok: “[On Tuesday] 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.”
The investigation is being handled by counter-terrorism officers due to circumstances, but it has not been declared a terrorist incident.
The suspect, who also faces two counts of possessing a bladed article on school premises, was detained under the Mental Health Act and has since been released to police custody following an assessment by health professionals.
Detective Chief Superintendent 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.”
