A school was on lockdown today after a stabbing left two teachers and a teenager injured.
A teenage girl was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after police swooped on Ysgol Dyffryn Aman comprehensive - or Amman Valley School - in Carmarthenshire. The two teachers and the teenager were rushed to hospital after paramedics performed advanced critical care support. Their injuries are not life-threatening.
The school issued a statement this afternoon, saying: "You will be aware of the incident that has taken place at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman today. The family members of all injured persons have been informed. We would like to reassure parents and the public that the incident has been contained."
Two air ambulance helicopters circled the site as hundreds of parents were seen outside the school gates amid the lockdown, said to have been described by one teacher as "Code Red". Carmarthenshire Councillor Rob James said: "My thoughts are with the Headteacher, teaching staff, parents and pupils of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman after todayâs major incident. I have been in contact with Carmarthenshire Council and will provide any support I can to the school during this difficult time."
In their latest update, Dyfed-Powys Police said: "Three people - two teachers and a teenage pupil - have been taken to hospital with stab wounds. Their injuries are not life threatening. The family members of all those injured have been informed.
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"A teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and currently remains in police custody. I would like to reassure parents and the public that the incident has concluded, and pupils have now left the school. We are working with the school and other agencies to ensure appropriate support is available to all involved.
Our live blog on this incident has now ended.
The deputy headteacher at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman was among those stabbed, it has emerged.
Fiona Elias, 48, has reportedly been discharged from hospital. Her father, John Owen, has told The Times she had "superficial injuries".
He said: “Obviously I was extremely worried when I found out there had been an attack at the school. She phoned me at about 3pm to say she had superficial wounds to her hand."
This is the hero teacher who bravely disarmed a teenage girl with a knife at school, it has been reported.
Darrel Campbell then reportedly put the pupil in a headlock after wading into the horror during the morning break in the playground at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman - Amman Valley School - in Carmarthenshire. Witnesses say Mr Campbell was able to wrestle the butterfly knife from the girl, and keep her detained until police arrived. Dyfed-Powys Police said a teenage girl was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, after three people - two teachers and a teenager - were rushed to hospital with stab wounds.
"Everyone was running and there were screams that the girl was going mad with a knife. Mr Campbell arrived on the scene and put her in a headlock and got the knife off her," a source told the MailOnline.
Darrel Campbell was heroic at Ysgol Dyffryn AmanPupils and staff affected by today's school stabbing have been offered wellbeing support.
"To support Dyfed Powys Police, Ysgol Dyffryn Aman will be closed tomorrow to all pupils and staff in order for officers to further carry out their investigations," Carmarthenshire County Council leader Darren Price said.
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"Although the school will be closed, I want to reassure pupils, parents and staff that wellbeing support is available to anyone who has been affected. The school will continue its lessons online."
Teachers' union NASUWT has said "no teacher should have to fear being assaulted at work" following today's incident.
In a statement, the union's general secretary, Dr Patrick Roach, said: "It is extremely distressing to learn that an attack has taken place at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman. Schools should be places of safety and sanctuary, and it will be of the utmost concern for every teacher whenever that sense of safety and security has been broken.
"No teacher should have to fear being assaulted at work, and everything that can be done must be done to ensure the safety of staff and pupils. Staff and pupils at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman will be very much in our thoughts at this difficult time."
A spokesman for Carmarthenshire Council said: "Today’s events have come as a grave shock to the community of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman and Carmarthenshire County Council. Our thoughts and are with the three injured individuals and their families.
"We are assisting Dyfed Powys Police with their investigation and, as such, we can confirm Ysgol Dyffryn Aman will be closed tomorrow, Thursday 25 April, to all pupils and staff in order for Dyfed Powys Police to carry out their investigation.
"Whilst the school will be closed tomorrow, online lessons will be available to pupils and wellbeing support will be made available to all pupils and staff that have been affected by today’s events.
"Carmarthenshire County Council would like to take this opportunity to reiterate Dyfed Powys Police’s request that social media footage relating to the incident is removed to avoid contempt of court and distress to those affected.
"We also ask people to not speculate whilst there is a police investigation ongoing. Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police through their dedicated Public Portal."
An ambulances leaves the school (WALES NEWS SERVICE)We have updated our article on everything we know about the incident so far. The latest statement from police confirms a knife was recovered in evidence and the injuries to those taken to hospital are not life threatening.
Read the full summary here.
The three people stabbed remain in hospital - but their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
The two teachers and the teenager were treated at the scene by paramedics and then rushed to hospital with stab wounds.
This led to a four-hour lockdown at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman comprehensive - or Amman Valley School - in Carmarthenshire.
The council has confirmed the school will be closed tomorrow and lessons will be delivered online instead.
Speaking at the scene, a spokesman for the council also said a knife had been seized and appealed for people not to share any videos of the attack they may have seen on social media.
A spokesman for the council spoke from the sceneWhen it was deemed safe for pupils to leave the site, emotional scenes unfolded at the school gates as parents finally embraced their children.
Police continue to reassure families the incident has concluded.
"We are working with the school and other agencies to ensure appropriate support is available to all involved," Superintendent Ross Evans said.
"This was a very distressing incident and our thoughts are with the victims, their family and everyone impacted by what has happened. I would like to reassure parents and the public that the incident has concluded, and pupils have now left the school.
A family is finally reunited after the lockdown (John Myers)Dyfed-Powys Police continue to investigate the incident at Amman Valley School in Carmarthenshire, which occurred at about 11.20am this morning.
Superintendent Ross Evans, Carmarthenshire Commander, said: "Just after 11.20am this morning we received a call advising us of an incident at Amman Valley School in Carmarthenshire.
"Emergency services immediately attended and the school was locked down for the safety of all on the premises. Three people - two teachers and a teenage pupil - have been taken to hospital with stab wounds. The family members of all those injured have been informed.
"A teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and currently remains in police custody. I would like to reassure parents and the public that the incident has concluded, and pupils have now left the school.
"We are working with the school and other agencies to ensure appropriate support is available to all involved. This was a very distressing incident and our thoughts are with the victims, their family and everyone impacted by what has happened.
“I am aware that there is footage of the incident currently circulating on social media and would ask that this is removed to avoid contempt of court and distress to those affected.
“I would also ask that people do not speculate while there is a police investigation ongoing. We are working with the school, Carmarthenshire County Council, and other agencies to ensure appropriate support is available to all involved.
"Local people will see more police in the area over the coming days as the investigation continues."
Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police through the dedicated Public Portal.
An investigator wearing a forensic suit has been seen examining an area by the main building of Amman Valley School, where three people were injured today.
Police officers have remained outside the main entrance of the school and on the street nearby all afternoon.
Forensic investigators at Amman Valley school in Carmarthenshire (PA)One parent, Charlotte Rogers, waiting for her daughter, said: “She said that one teacher and two pupils had been stabbed, that’s all I know.
“She said she was scared. She’s a tough cookie so fingers crossed. I just want to give her a big hug. I just want everyone to be safe. This shouldn’t have happened.
“At the end of the day, they should have had measures in place beforehand, when they first opened the school, to make sure it was safe for them.”
Police pictured at Amman Valley school (PA)Rishi Sunak has also tweeted his thoughts after the stabbing.
He posted: "Shocked at the news emerging from Ammanford today. I want to thank the police and emergency services for their ongoing response and my thoughts are with all those affected."
A sixth former said she was in the sixth form lounge when a teacher told them they were going into a "Code Red". She said pupils were escorted to the toilets during the lockdown.
Pupils were reportedly told not to use their phones or look through windows during the lockdown.
Keir Starmer has tweeted his thoughts following the attack.
He posted: "Awful news coming from Ammanford. My thoughts are with parents, teachers and staff at the school and all of the students. Grateful to the emergency services who are responding."
One former pupil, who has a niece and a nephew at the school, said the community is in a state of shock following the incident.
She added she "wouldn’t feel safe if they went back to school tomorrow or for the rest of the week."
The school issued a statement this afternoon, saying: "You will be aware of the incident that has taken place at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman today.
"The family members of all injured persons have been informed. We would like to reassure parents and the public that the incident has been contained."
Commenting on the attack that took place today at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary of NASUWT – The Teachers' Union, said: "It is extremely distressing to learn that an attack has taken place at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman.
"Schools should be places of safety and sanctuary, and it will be of the utmost concern for every teacher whenever that sense of safety and security has been broken.
"No teacher should have to fear being assaulted at work, and everything that can be done must be done to ensure the safety of staff and pupils.
"Staff and pupils at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman will be very much in our thoughts at this difficult time."
Pupils are being released from Amman Valley School, which has been in lockdown following this morning's incident.
Many of the parents who had gathered outside the school tearfully hugged their children after they walked out of the school from 3.20pm.
David TC Davies, the Conservative MP for Monmouth and Secretary of State for Wales, shared a statement on X describing the incident as "deeply concerning".
The politician wrote: "My thoughts are with the people, parents and teachers of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, the emergency services and with the wider community during this extremely worrying time."
The news emerging from Ammanford this afternoon is deeply concerning.
— David TC Davies MP (@DavidTCDavies) April 24, 2024
My thoughts are with the people, parents and teachers of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, the emergency services and with the wider community during this extremely worrying time.
A spokesperson for Wales Air Ambulance service has confirmed that three critical care teams were deployed to the incident.
They said: "I can confirm that the Wales Air Ambulance attended an incident in that region today (24/04/24).
"We mobilised three critical care teams at 11:30. Our Dafen and Welshpool based crew were mobilised by air and our Cardiff based crew was mobilised by road. Unfortunately, we cannot comment any further."
Terrifying video footage has captured the aftermath of a school stabbing which left three people injured as the building was put under lockdown.
A boy was heard screaming "that girl's got stabbed" in the short clip that circulated online shortly after the attack at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman school in Ammanford, Wales on Wednesday afternoon.
The clip appears to show two girls on the ground in an outside area of the school before one is pulled away by staff. The other pupil is supported by school workers as teachers try to clear the area of students who watched the attack unfold.
One boy can be heard saying: "What the f***, what the f***?" Another says: "That girl's got stabbed."
The first lad responds saying: "Some girl just got stabbed. What the f***". A teacher then orders the students to "get to class now".
Police warned the video could be prejudicial in future legal proceedings, or distressing to the victims.
Click here to read the full story.
Following the incident, Plaid Cymru's MS for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr Adam Price and MS for Mid and West Wales Cefin Campbell shared a joint statement.
The politicians said: "The incident at Ysgol Dyffryn Amman today is truly saddening - our thoughts and prayers go out to those that have been injured, as well as the staff, pupils and families at Ysgol Dyffryn Amman.
"Our thanks go out to the emergency services for their response under such difficult circumstances, and to the school and its staff for their swift action in containing the incident."
The Welsh Ambulance Service has confirmed four emergency ambulances and a hazardous area response team were called in.
A spokesperson said: "We were called shortly after 11.15am to an incident on Margaret Street in Ammanford. We sent four emergency ambulances and the hazardous area response team to the scene, where crews were supported by two Cymru high acuity response unit paramedics and an operational manager.
"Advanced critical care support was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service in two Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopters."
A parent told WalesOnline that she initially didn't hear anything of the incident from the school, but learnt what had happened via social media instead.
Speaking to a reporter near the scene, the parent said has heard from one of her kids, but not another as he didn't take his phone to school.
She added parents were standing outside the school grounds as they "want to be there for their children when they come out".
Here's the full statement from Carmarthenshire Council: "Dyfed-Powys Police is dealing with an incident at Amman Valley School. Three people have been injured and are receiving treatment. One person has been arrested and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.
"Emergency services remain at scene and the school has been closed while investigations continue."
They added: "We are aware that there is footage of the incident currently circulating on social media. We would ask that this is removed to avoid contempt of court and distress to those affected. We would ask the people do not speculate while there is a police investigation ongoing.
"The family members of all injured persons have been informed. We would like to reassure parents and the public that the incident has been contained."
A mum waiting outside the gates, named Rebecca, said she was told the school was on a "code red".
She told ITV Cymru: "Obviously I’ve seen the blue lights, and I know we don’t blue light unless we have to and I’ve seen the air ambulance leave. They’re keeping the school on lockdown - code red as they’re calling it - and the police will be speaking to the classes individually, then take them to get their lunch, then take them back to their classrooms."
Home Secretary James Cleverly said his thoughts are with the people affected by the incident at a school in Ammanford.
Mr Cleverly posted on X: "I am being kept informed about the events in Ammanford, Wales.
"My thoughts are with the school and all those involved.
"I want to thank the police & emergency service for their ongoing response. It is important they are given the space to carry out their investigations."
I am being kept informed about the events in Ammanford, Wales.
— James Cleverly (@JamesCleverly) April 24, 2024
My thoughts are with the school and all those involved.
I want to thank the police & emergency service for their ongoing response. It is important they are given the space to carry out their investigations.
Good afternoon, if you're just joining us. Here's a summary of what we know so far about this incident in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire.
