Teenager arrested after Rochdale schoolchildren attacked this morning

The children were attacked whilst on their way to Wardle Academy near Rochdale. Credit: MEN Media

A teenager has been arrested after 10 children were attacked on their way to school in a village near Rochdale.

One of the victims, aged 14, has been taken to hospital with minor injuries, police said.

The incident took place at about 8.35am in the village of Wardle, near Rochdale, Greater Manchester.

Some of the children involved are pupils at Wardle Academy, the high school in the village.

Some of the children involved are pupils at Wardle Academy. Credit: MEN Media

In a statement Brendan Hesketh, the headteacher, said: "This morning Wardle experienced an incident which required the support of the police.

"The incident has been dealt with and there will be an extended police presence in the area.

"The incident occurred in the Wardle village but did involve some students on their way to the Academy.

"The alleged assailant has been apprehended by the police and the Academy is supporting students and families that may have been involved.

"The Academy is very grateful for the very effective way in which the police dealt with the situation.

"If anyone has any information that will support student welfare or the police in their inquiries please contact us directly."

Police were seen at the school in the aftermath of the incident. Credit: MEN Media

Chief Inspector Nicola De Maine, of GMP's Rochdale District, said: "We have a man in custody and a full investigation has been launched to establish the full circumstances of this morning's incident.

"This is currently being treated as an isolated and contained incident, it is not believed to be hate or terror-related and we do not believe there to be any wider threat to the public.

"I can appreciate this was a traumatic ordeal for those involved and we are working closely with our partners to ensure everyone has the support they need at this time.

"We recognise this may have caused a lot of fear in the local community, and I would encourage any members of the public with questions or concerns to approach our officers who will be in the area today carrying out enquiries.

"I would like to appeal to any witnesses, and particularly anyone with footage of what happened, to get in touch with us as your information could be vital to this investigation."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 8420 quoting reference 624 of 11/12/2020, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.