Following an attack at a school in Sheffield where two teachers and a child were injured, authorities have arrested a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted murder.
In the incident at Birley Academy, all three individuals sustained minor injuries, with one adult reportedly assaulted with a fragment of broken glass. Following the attack, the school initiated a lockdown, prompting students to take refuge under desks.
The 17-year-old suspect is currently in police custody.
Assistant Chief Constable Dan Thorpe addressed the media outside the school on Wednesday afternoon, stating that officers were alerted to the scene around 08:50 BST.
He mentioned, "Both adults sustained minor injuries, with one likely caused by a sharp object, possibly broken glass."
"The child was assaulted, though fortunately, there are no apparent physical injuries. Nonetheless, I understand this must have been a terrifying experience for all parties."
Assistant Chief Constable Dan Thorpe assured that officers would continue to be present in the vicinity in the days ahead.
He proceeded to commend the school staff for their dedication to ensuring the safety of students and affirmed that police presence would be maintained in the area in the upcoming days.
Thorpe added, "Birley is a tightly knit community, and although swift action led to an arrest, it's understandable that there may be lingering apprehension."
"Switch off lights, lock doors."
The school implemented a lockdown on Wednesday morning after the assault, with students restricted from leaving until approximately 11:00 BST.
Sophie Jones, speaking from the scene, recounted receiving a text from her daughter detailing the situation: "The school was in lockdown, lights out, doors locked, and she was hiding under her desk."
"It was incredibly frightening. At first, I thought it might be a joke because it felt so surreal."
"Since then, she's reassured me that she's alright, and I'm relieved to know she's safe."
Nathan Henderson rushed to the school upon receiving a distressing message from his daughter, who told him she was "under a table crying."
"I was quite overwhelmed [when I arrived], almost climbing over the gates at one point," he recounted.
Initially, there was a flurry of conflicting information and rumors circulating, but Henderson found solace in learning that his daughter was safe.
Another woman, who rushed to the scene straight from work after her son's alert, shared her experience: "He said, 'If you know what's happening or have seen on social media just know I'm safe, there's been a lockdown.'"
"I'll feel much better once I lay eyes on him. In such circumstances, worry is inevitable, even when the school assures you your child is fine."
One parent expressed gratitude towards the school for safeguarding the children, stating, "Ultimately, they've done everything they could to keep them safe."
Head teacher Victoria Hall confirmed that the school would resume classes on Thursday, lauding the students, staff, and extending gratitude to parents and the local community for their support.
Addressing the House of Commons, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conveyed that MPs' "thoughts" were with those injured in the Sheffield attack.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan expressed being "disturbed" upon learning about the incident.
In a message posted on X, formerly Twitter, she stated: "We're in contact with the school, and my thoughts are with those injured and the entire school community affected by this alarming situation."
Meanwhile, Daniel Kebede, leader of the National Education Union, the UK's largest education union, called on the government to take stronger action against youth violence to ensure the safety of teachers and students.
"Our hearts go out to the staff, students, and parents at The Birley Academy in Sheffield, as well as to those who were injured," he remarked.
"This is yet another distressing incident occurring on school premises. Violence has no place within our schools and colleges."
Mr. Kebede emphasized the importance of the government acknowledging the magnitude of the issue and implementing a public health approach to address violence in schools.
Patrick Roach, general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, described the events at Birley Academy in Sheffield as "disturbing and distressing" for both staff and students.