A teenage boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a teacher was stabbed at a school in Tewkesbury.
Gloucestershire Police said officers were called to Tewkesbury Academy in Tewkesbury at 9.10am today (10 July) following reports that a pupil had stabbed a teacher.
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The incident is thought to have taken place in a corridor, with a male teacher receiving a single stab wound from a pupil at the school.
Shortly after this, Tewkesbury Academy went into a school-wide lockdown. Two other schools in the district were also advised to close by police, as a precaution.
However, a teenager was later arrested on suspicion of attempted murder by firearms officers in Stoke Orchard at around 11am, with a knife also being seized during the arrest.
Despite this, it's still unclear what the motivation behind the attack was.
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Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone confirmed the arrest, telling the press: “At this stage the motivation behind the attack is unclear but at this time there is no evidence to suggest it is terrorism-related. However, we are keeping an open mind while further inquiries are carried out.”
Meanwhile, Tewkesbury Academy has lifted its temporary lockdown, with students being allowed to leave and reuniting with their parents.
Police have also been supporting students leaving the state school, helping to coordinate with parents and carers.
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The school’s headteacher, Kathleen McGillycuddy, has given a statement following the incident.
She said: “We appreciate that this morning has been a worrying time for all associated with Tewkesbury Academy. We are writing to reassure you that all pupils remain safe and well.
“We were alerted shortly before 9am this morning to reports of a serious incident which left a male member of staff in need of hospital treatment.
“The school was locked down and police were called immediately when we became aware of this incident. We have since been taking advice from the Police on when and how to share updates with you.
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“In the last few minutes Police have arrested a teenage boy in connection with this incident. In conjunction with Police advice the lockdown remains in place as a precaution. We hope to be able to provide a further update once cleared by Police in the near future."
McGillycuddy concluded: “Thank you for patience and understanding at this difficult time.”
Katherine Sidnell