The Manchester Evening News understands there is no link between an knife attack in Walkden and a suspected hoax at Co-op Academy Walkden

19:38, 04 Sep 2026Updated 19:51, 04 Sep 2026

A police probe has been launched following an alleged hoax knife threat which sparked a security operation at a Salford high school.

Images seen by the Manchester Evening News were circulated on a social media platform, understood to be TikTok, on Thursday evening (September 3). One showed a hand holding a bladed weapon while another showed an image of armed police.

The picture of the knife carried the caption: ‘Coop Walkden I’m After You Next.’

After officers were called in over the disturbing content on the social media site, the MEN was contacted by a number of concerned parents of children at Co-op Academy Walkden in Salford.

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The school acted quickly with security being stepped up including increased monitoring of access. Bag checks were also carried out, with nothing untoward being found following the purported threats, which are being treated as a hoax.

A second image shared on the social media platform featured a picture of an armed police officer and the words ‘them tomorrow at coop academy walkden.’

One of the alleged posts which are being investigated(Image: TikTok)

The school, which has over 1,400 students, has since written to parents regarding ‘concerning content’ which they said they said it had been established was ‘likely to be a hoax’. They said police had been informed, had attended the school and extra security measures including bag searches had been carried out and that ‘nothing of concern’ was found.

There was an incident just under a mile away on Manchester Road in Walkden this morning (Friday, September 4) where a man in his late 20s was left fighting for life in a stabbing.

The Manchester Evening News understands there is no link between the incident and either the school or the the alleged threats.

Police were called in over the posts, which are believed to be a hoax(Image: TikTok)

In a letter sent to parents today, seen by this newspaper, the school’s Principal Matt Hacker said: “We have been made aware of some concerning content circulating on Tik Tok.

“Thank you to the parents who raised this with us. We have taken the matter seriously and have contacted the police, who have attended the school and are aware of the situation.

“At this stage, we believe that the content is likely to be a hoax. However, the safety and wellbeing of our students and colleagues is always our priority, and we have taken some additional steps today to provide reassurance.

Co-op Academy Walkden(Image: MEN MEDIA)

“These include increased monitoring of access to the school site. We have also conducted bag searches, and nothing of concern was found.

“We would like to reassure parents and carers that the school remains open and operating as normal. As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and remain vigilant at all times. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.”

A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) spokesperson confirmed officers are investigating posts related to the school.

It is understood they are currently being treated as a hoax but that enquiries are continuing. The Co-op Academies Trust were approached for comment.