Three pupils have reportedly been stabbed at a school in Manchester on Tuesday morning.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police are responding to the incident at the Co-Op Academy on Plant Hill Road in Blackley, where a schoolgirl has now been arrested.
It is understood that three pupils suffered injuries consistent with a knife.
The school is now on lockdown as emerging pictures from the scene show emergency services outside the school gates and on the school premises.
A helicopter is also circling the vicinity as parents and children have begun to gather outside.
The force confirmed the injuries of the three affected pupils are not believed to be “serious”.
“Emergency services remain on scene and we are supporting the school. There is not believed to be any wider threat to the pupils and staff in the school,” the force said.
The school’s headmaster Phill Quirk has now confirmed the academy will close for the remainder of the day, the Mail reported.
The message to parents read: “You will be aware that there has been an incident at Co-op Academy Manchester this morning.
“We can confirm that everyone is safe and the incident has been contained.
“However we have made the decision to close the school for the remainder of the day. We are speaking with parents and carers to obtain permission for children to leave.
“If we haven't yet spoken with you, please contact your child through their mobile phone or send an Arbor message.
“Once a member of staff has seen and verified this permission, students will be allowed to leave the site.”
Co-op Academy Manchester is a mixed secondary school in the Greater Manchester area of Blackley. Around 1,650 pupils attend the school.
This is a breaking news story, more to follow...