Maysum Abdullah, 27, has been identified as the teacher who was stabbed while shielding students during a knife attack at Co-op Academy Manchester in Blackley on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. He has been widely hailed as a hero for his courageous intervention.
Incident Details
The attack occurred at the school on Plant Hill Road. A 14-year-old girl has been charged with three counts of attempted murder and is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on Friday, June 12. Two other 14-year-old pupils were also injured in the incident, according to Greater Manchester Police.
Mr. Abdullah told the Manchester Evening News that he is recovering at home with his wife and still trying to process the event. The two other victims have been released from the hospital and sustained no serious injuries.
Family's Response
His wife, Saima, called him 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."
Investigation
The investigation is being handled by counterterrorism officers due to the 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 initially detained under the Mental Health Act but 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."
