Polish authorities are investigating a third knife attack at a school in as many days after a 21-year-old woman injured three people at an educational institution in Warsaw on Saturday.
The suspect used what police described as a “dangerous object” to attack a 17-year-old female student at the school in the Polish capital, according to statements given to news agencies PAP and AP. Two other women, aged 17 and 24, who had arrived to submit enrolment documents, were also injured in the incident.
A Warsaw police spokesperson told local media that the 17-year-old victim had been taken to hospital but her condition was not life-threatening. Initial findings suggest the attacker, who was a student at the school, did not know any of the three victims.
Police could not immediately confirm whether Saturday’s attack was connected to two previous stabbing incidents earlier in the week, both of which prompted a massive security response across Poland.
Wave of school attacks prompts nationwide response
The latest incident comes just a day after thousands of Polish police officers visited schools throughout the country in an unprecedented security operation. According to Polish police, 76 people were detained during the deployment on Friday.
The heightened security measures followed two serious attacks earlier in the week. On Wednesday, a 19-year-old student injured nine people at a vocational school in the central Mazovian province. A day later, a 37-year-old caretaker was killed after a 15-year-old entered a primary school in Leszczydół-Nowiny, north of Warsaw.
“When it comes to the safety of Polish children and peace in our schools, there is no room for compromise,” Prime Minister Donald Tusk said ahead of Friday’s police operation.
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński also revealed that a 17-year-old had been detained in the town of Sierpc, north-west of Warsaw, after allegedly stating on school grounds that he planned to harm someone.
Internet challenge suspected as possible motive
Local media reports, citing police sources, have suggested that this week’s attacks may be linked to an internet challenge. Authorities have not provided further details about the nature of the suspected online activity or how many incidents might be connected to it.
The suggestion that social media could be playing a role in encouraging attacks has added urgency to the government’s response, with schools across Poland now under increased surveillance and police presence.
What this means for Poles in the UK
For Poles living in the United Kingdom who have family members attending schools in Poland, these incidents raise understandable concerns about the safety of children and relatives back home. Parents should stay in regular contact with family in Poland and check on the well-being of school-age children.
If you have children planning to visit Poland during half-term or school holidays, you may wish to discuss the recent events with them and ensure they are aware of increased security measures at educational facilities. Polish schools are now operating under heightened alert, with enhanced police presence.
Those with elderly relatives working in Polish schools, particularly in caretaker or administrative roles, should check in to ensure they feel safe at work. The Polish government has made clear that school security is a top priority, with ongoing police operations across the country.
For up-to-date information on the situation, family members in Poland can contact their local police stations or check announcements from the Polish Ministry of Education and Science. Anyone with concerns about specific threats or suspicious activity should report it immediately to Polish police on 997 or 112.
