WARSAW, Poland: Polish police detained 76 people and checked nearly 50,000 schools on October 10 as authorities stepped up security following two school attacks that left one person dead and several others injured earlier in the week.

The measures followed growing fears of further violence, with rumors spreading online that the two attacks were connected and that more incidents would take place on a day described as "bloody Friday".

On October 9, schools across Poland increased security. Some suspended classes, many parents kept their children at home, and police patrolled educational institutions.

The concerns followed two violent incidents in the central Mazovian province.

On October 7, a 19-year-old student at a vocational school attacked fellow students, teachers, and passersby with a sharp object. Nine people were injured before the attacker fled and was arrested nearby.

The following day, a 15-year-old boy killed a school custodian and wounded two other people in a knife attack at his former school in the same province.

Both attacks were carried out by Polish nationals and shocked a country where serious school violence involving minors has become a growing concern.

By October 9, rumors of coordinated attacks were spreading through parents' online groups and mainstream media. Some messages warned of further violence on Friday, increasing anxiety among families and school staff.

In response, 59 schools across Poland suspended classes as a precaution. Most were in the Mazovian province, which includes the capital, Warsaw.

School directors informed parents of additional security measures, including placing more staff at entrances and introducing voluntary backpack checks.

Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński stressed that the government would not take any chances with student safety.

"There will ⁠be no compromise here. The safety of the youth is the most important thing," he said.

Police Detain Teenagers Over Threats

Among those detained on October 9 was a 14-year-old boy from central Warsaw who was found carrying a knife with a concealed blade and 11 firecrackers.

A 16-year-old from another Warsaw district was detained after arriving at school with a butterfly knife in his backpack.

Other people were detained over online photographs of knives, threats against fellow students and threats to carry out attacks at schools.

The government said it had found no evidence so far of an ongoing internet challenge encouraging school attacks. Authorities have also not officially confirmed any connection between the two incidents. Both attackers remain in custody.

Parents across Poland are now trying to find ways to discuss school violence with their children. Authorities have said additional security measures will remain in place and that they will organize crisis training.

The government has also promised to renew efforts to pass legislation to block harmful online content.

During the October 8 attack, the 15-year-old injured three adults before school director Krzysztof Ochmański managed to overpower him.

The teenager wore a camera to record his actions. Ochmański later told reporters that the boy appeared to understand the seriousness of what he had done and said he no longer wanted to continue.

The director said the teenager eventually asked him for assistance after they established contact. He also described a moment when the boy wanted physical comfort.