11 Jun 2015

Bradford: teen arrested on suspicion of attempted murder

A teenage schoolboy is arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a teacher was stabbed in front of pupils in a classroom.

The 14-year-old boy allegedly attacked the male teacher with a knife smuggled into school. A 50-year-old teacher at Dixons Kings Academy in Bradford was taken to hospital with a single stab wound to the stomach.

He is said to be in a stable condition and his injury is not believed to be life-threatening.

Detective Superintendent Simon Atkinson, of West Yorkshire Police said: “We have just arrested a 14-year-old male in connection with this offence and he is currently in custody on suspicion of attempted murder.”

The boy was arrested in Bradford city centre.

‘Over a mobile phone’

An eye witness earlier told Channel 4 News that the stabbing could have been over a mobile phone: “It just happened in seconds… We were just sitting down and a student just had his phone out, and that’s it… [It was] just about a phone.”

Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), said: “I am shocked and incredibly sad to hear that a teacher has been stabbed at a school in the UK – Dixons Kings Academy in Bradford.

“Our best wishes are with the teacher, his friends and work colleagues, and the pupils at the school.

“Thousands of dedicated teachers are working in schools and colleges with our children and young people every day, and they should never have to face verbal or physical violence.

“Thankfully today’s events are extremely rare and schools are usually safe places for children and adults. When we learn more about the circumstances, it may be that there are lessons to be learned, but for now, the teacher and his family, the pupils, staff and their families need our support.”