A 14-year-old schoolgirl who stabbed two pupils and a teacher on Tuesday was 'bullied', a court heard.

The youngster, who cannot be identified because of her age, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court, sitting as a youth court, where she was charged with three counts of attempted murder.

She is alleged to have brought two knives - described by defence counsel Joseph Kotrie-Monson as a 'fruit knife' with a 4-5in blade - into the Co-op Academy on Plant Hill Road, Blackley, Manchester.

The teen was not asked to enter pleas to the attempted murder charges, or two counts of possessing a bladed article on school premises, during the 42-minute hearing.

The defendant appeared via video link from a police station in the Manchester area, where she was supported by a relative and another appropriate adult, and wore a grey jumper.

She looked down throughout the hearing.

She spoke to confirm her name, date of birth, address and that she understood when addressed by the District Judge Briony Clarke.

She was remanded in custody until her next appearance at the Old Bailey in a week's time.

Prosecutor Rebecca Waller described the case as 'very unusual', and said there would likely be a 'substantial' sentence if convicted of the charges.

She also said the attack on Tuesday was 'premeditated'.

Defence counsel Mr Kotrie-Monson told the court the background of the allegation involved 'a bullying campaign for a long time, undetected by teachers'.

The district judge remanded the girl into youth detention custody until her next appearance, at the Old Bailey.

Two pupils, both aged 14, and a male member of staff, 27-year-old science teacher Maysum Abdullah, were injured in the incident on Tuesday morning.

All three were taken to hospital but have since been released.

Mr Abdullah is alleged to have stepped in to help protect pupils as the incident unfolded.

He said after: 'I'm recovering, but I am in a lot of pain.

'I have also been approached by the police to give a comment in relation to what happened,' he told The Sun.

'I'm not in the position or frame of mind to give any further comments.'

His wife, Saima, said he had been wounded on his hands and neck.

She posted on TikTok on Wednesday: 'Yesterday, I received the devastating news that my husband had been stabbed while trying to protect pupils from a serious knife attack in his classroom.

'No one ever expects to receive a phone call telling them that their loved one has been taken to the hospital after being stabbed.

'I am grateful that his injuries were not life threatening. The wound on his neck and his hand have been treated. However, these physical wounds are only part of what our family is now facing.

'My husband entered teaching to make a positive difference in young people's lives and he is truly a hero for protecting and safeguarding those children.

'Our prayers are with the other two pupils who also suffered injuries and to all the students and staff who witnessed such a traumatic event. 

'Thank you to all colleagues, family, friends, hospital staff, the police and members of the community for their support, kindness and wishes during this difficult time.'

Students and parents have since praised Mr Abdullah's actions, with many describing him as a dedicated teacher who put himself in harm's way to protect others.

One pupil wrote online: 'I'm a student that goes to that school and Mr Abdullah was the nicest teacher there.

'The fact he risked his life for two children he's only taught for a few months is truly great for everyone.'

Another simply added: 'We love Mr Abdullah.'