Eight students were injured in a stabbing at a middle school in Istanbul's Başakşehir district on Tuesday, with one in critical condition and two others in serious-to-moderate condition, according to Turkish authorities.

The incident occurred at around 8:35 a.m. local time at Şeyh Şamil Imam Hatip Middle School in the Kayaşehir area of Başakşehir, according to district authorities.

The suspect was identified as a 15-year-old girl who attends a different high school in Istanbul, local authorities said. She was taken into police custody following the attack.

The injured students were taken to Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital for treatment. Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu said eight people were receiving medical care, including one critically injured patient and two whose conditions were considered serious to moderately serious.

According to local reports, the suspect was a 10th-grade student at a high school in Istanbul's Küçükçekmece district and was not enrolled at the middle school where the attack took place.

She reportedly arrived at the school wearing her own school's uniform and carrying a knife. Police detained her after the attack, while investigators began examining why she had gone to the school and what prompted the incident.

The exact circumstances and motive remained under investigation.

Initial reports from the Istanbul Governor's Office said five students had been injured in a fight at the school. Later statements from district authorities and health officials put the number of injured at eight.

The discrepancy reflected the rapidly developing nature of the incident, with authorities subsequently providing updated information on the number and condition of the injured.

Police and emergency medical teams were dispatched to the school shortly after the attack, and the injured students were taken to hospital by ambulance.

A judicial and administrative investigation has been launched into the incident.

Turkey's Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) said the Istanbul 3rd Criminal Judgeship of Peace had imposed a temporary broadcasting restriction concerning the attack. The measure was intended to prevent interference with the investigation and protect public order, according to RTÜK.

The incident has renewed concerns over school safety and violence in Turkish schools, with authorities expected to investigate both the circumstances surrounding the attack and how the suspect was able to enter the school premises. (ILKHA)