Boy, 17, arrested for attempted murder after three people injured in Sheffield school incident

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested for attempted murder after three people were injured at a school in Sheffield.

Officers were called to Birley Community College, now known as The Birley Academy, on Birley Lane at 8.50am this morning after reports of an incident involving a sharp object.

A child was assaulted and two adults suffered minor injuries, South Yorkshire Police said. But the weapon involved is understood to be a broken bottle rather than a knife.

Children described to their parents how they were lying on the floor and hiding under the tables as the school went into lockdown "as a precaution" on Wednesday morning.

One parent told BBC Radio Sheffield her daughter "texted saying she was under a table crying so I shot straight round".

They added: "It wasn't nice. I was a bit overwhelmed, so I nearly climbed over the gates at one point. But I spoke to the police and they assured me that everything was okay."

The 17-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of attempted murder remains in police custody.

In a statement, South Yorkshire Police said: "Police will remain at the scene throughout the day to provide assurances to those in the school and the local community.

"We will provide further updates as and when we can."

In a post on X, the school said: "This morning we went into lockdown as a precaution following an incident at the school.

"This was not a decision taken lightly but the safety of students and staff is paramount. All students and staff are safe.

"We are working closely with the police and will update shortly."