A Pakistani-origin teacher has been hailed as a hero in the UK after he was stabbed while trying to protect students during a knife attack at a school in Manchester.
The teacher has been identified as 27-year-old Maysam Abdullah, who was injured when he intervened during the attack at Co-op Academy Manchester earlier this week. Two 14-year-old students were also hurt in the incident and were later discharged from hospital.
A 14-year-old girl has since been charged with three counts of attempted murder. She is also facing two counts of possessing a bladed article on school premises and was due to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London.
Abdullah is now recovering at home with his wife as the family tries to come to terms with the incident. His wife said he was injured while attempting to shield pupils from a serious attack in his classroom, adding that although his wounds were not life-threatening, the emotional toll on the family has been significant.
She said Abdullah had joined the teaching profession to make a positive difference in the lives of young people and described him as a hero for protecting children during the attack. She also expressed support for the injured students and others affected by the incident.
Police said counterterrorism officers are assisting with the investigation, although the case has not been declared terror-related. The suspect was initially detained under the Mental Health Act before being released into police custody on the advice of health professionals.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as officers continue to support the victims, their families, and the wider school community shaken by the attack.
