Wales school stabbing – latest: Girl, 13, charged with three counts of attempted murder

A 13-year-old girl has been charged with three counts of attempted murder, after two teachers and a pupil were stabbed at a secondary school in Wales.

The three people injured in the attack at Amman Valley School in Carmarthenshire on Wednesday morning have now left hospital, where they were treated for knife wounds.

Two air ambulances were sent to the school, also known as Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, as emergency services swarmed the scene.

Parents waited for several hours at the gates of the school, which was “in lockdown”, before tearfully being reunited with their children as the school day ended.

The teachers injured are reported to be Fiona Elias, the deputy head, and Liz Hopkin, a special-needs teacher. In a statement on the school website, headteacher James Durbridge praised staff and pupils for their “calm and mature response” to the lockdown.

Plaid Cymru’s Adam Price – a former pupil at the school – described it as a “centre point for the whole community” and said pupils and families have been “shocked and shaken”.

Key Points

• Girl, 13, charged with three counts of attempted murder

• Air ambulances rush to report of school stabbing

• Plea to take down social-media footage

• ‘Two girls involved as two staff intervened’

Thank you for following our live coverage

07:47 , Holly Evans

We are now ending our live coverage of this event, thank you for reading.

Council leader ‘humbled’ by determination to get pupils back to classrooms

06:55 , Andy Gregory

The leader of the local Camarthenshire County Council has said he was “humbled by the strength, resolve and determination by all involved to see our children return to their classrooms as soon as it is safe to do so”.

Councillor Darren Price said: “On behalf of Carmarthenshire County Council, I would like to express our relief that the three injured individuals have been discharged from hospital and we wish them a speedy recovery.

“Yesterday’s incident came as a great shock to everyone and I would like to recognise the excellent response of the staff and pupils at the school, council staff and all emergency services involved.

“I am humbled by the strength, resolve and determination by all involved to see our children return to their classrooms as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Amman Valley school ‘a centre point for the whole community'

04:33 , Andy Gregory

Plaid Cymru’s Adam Price – a former pupil at Amman Valley School – described the school as a “centre point for the whole community” and said pupils and families have been “shocked and shaken”.

A bilingual comprehensive school for pupils aged between 11 and 18, Amman Valley provides education to 1,450 school pupils, in addition to 270 sixth form students.

Questions about school safety in Wales will be asked in Senedd, politician says

01:58 , Andy Gregory

Cefin Campbell, the Senedd member for Mid and West Wales, said there would be questions asked in the Welsh parliament about security in schools across Wales.

“Let’s hope it’s a one off, but you just don’t know the way the society has changed. We have to ask questions about the way we move forward,” he told BBC Radio Wales.

“We certainly don’t want to go down the route of America but there are parts of the UK where bags are checked every day, there’s metal detectors, as well as random checks by police.

“None of us want to go down that road but we’ve just obviously got to ask questions. What lessons can we learn from this?”

School lockdown lasted four hours

Thursday 25 April 2024 23:59 , Andy Gregory

The south-west Wales school went into lockdown after a “code red” alarm sounded through the PA system, during which students and staff are said to have hidden in classrooms - with one pupil reportedly vaulting the school fence to get to safety.

The lockdown lasted around four hours between 11.20am and 3.20pm, resulting in a lengthy and anxious wait for parents who were seen tearfully hugging their children after they walked through the gates.

School to remain closed on Friday

Thursday 25 April 2024 22:31 , Andy Gregory

While online lessons will continue, the school will stay closed for in-person teaching on Friday, Carmarthenshire County Council has said.

The school was also closed on Thursday as police continued their investigation.

Victims’ injuries ‘not life threatening’, police say

Thursday 25 April 2024 21:15 , Andy Gregory

Teenager to appear before court on Friday

Thursday 25 April 2024 20:16 , Andy Gregory

The 13-year-old girl charged with attempted murder after two teachers and a pupil were stabbed at a school in south Wales will appear at court on Friday, the Crown Prosecution Service has said.

Michael Cray, senior Crown prosecutor at CPS Cymru-Wales, said: “A youth who cannot be named for legal reasons has been charged with three counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article on a school premises.

“The youth has been remanded in custody to appear before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court tomorrow on Friday April 26 .

“Criminal proceedings are active and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.

“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Police chief thanks emergency services for ‘swift’ response

Thursday 25 April 2024 19:03 , Andy Gregory

Speaking outside Amman Valley School on Thursday evening, Superintendent Evans thanked medics for their “swift response” in helping victims involved in the incident.

He said: “I would once again like to thank our colleagues at the Welsh Ambulance Service and Wales Air Ambulance Service for their swift response to this incident.

“As well as the NHS staff who treated those who were injured, the charitable organisations who are supporting those affected by this incident and the vigilant members of the public who reported their concerns to us.”

Full report: Teenage girl charged with attempted murder

Thursday 25 April 2024 18:27 , Andy Gregory

A teenage girl has been charged with three counts of attempted murder after three people were stabbed at Amman Valley School in Carmarthenshire.

A 15-year-old boy has also been arrested and remains in police custody on suspicion of making threats referencing the stabbing incident at Amman Valley, Dyded-Powys Police said in a statement outside the school on Thursday evening.

You can refresh our breaking report below for updates:

Girl, 13, charged with attempted murder after Wales school stabbing

Girl, 13, charged with three counts of attempted murder

Thursday 25 April 2024 18:08 , Andy Gregory

A 13-year-old girl has been charged with three counts of attempted murder after two teachers and a teenage pupil were stabbed at Amman Valley School in Wales, Dyfed-Powys Police said.

‘Violent crime has reduced in UK’, says Cleverly in wake of Wales school stabbing

Thursday 25 April 2024 17:50 , Andy Gregory

No 10 praises bravery of those caught up in Ammanford stabbing

Thursday 25 April 2024 16:46 , Andy Gregory

Downing Street has praised the bravery of those caught up in the stabbing in Ammanford.

Rishi Sunak’s official spokesperson told reporters: “The prime minister did respond to this yesterday and he was obviously shocked by the news and his thoughts are with those affected, including the head of Year 7 Fiona Elias who was injured during the incident.

“The prime minister also would like to reiterate head teacher James Durbridge’s praise for staff and students for responding so calmly, and in some instances bravely, to the school going into lockdown in what would have been an incredibly alarming circumstance and he would like to thank the police and the emergency services for their response too.”

Teenage boy arrested on suspicion of making threats referencing school knife attack

Thursday 25 April 2024 14:57 , Joe Middleton

A teenage boy is in custody after being arrested on suspicion of making threats referencing the knife attack at a school in South Wales.

Two teachers were injured alongside a pupil during the attack at Amman Valley School in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, on Wednesday morning.

A teenage girl was arrested following the attack and remains in police custody.

A boy from the Cross Hands area - about six miles from the school - was also arrested following reports about threatening messages being sent on social media on Thursday morning.

Superintendent Ross Evans said: “We would like to thank the many members of the public who reported concerns around messages they had seen online. This allowed us to take swift action in executing a warrant and arresting a suspect.

“While this investigation is being run separately to our inquiries into the major incident at Ysgol Dyffryn Amman yesterday, our officers will be seeking to establish both the credibility of the threats and whether there was any connection between the alleged offences.

“Again, I would urge people not to speculate, not to share any images or videos relating to either investigation, and to allow us to carry out our enquiries fully.

“If you, or your children, are distressed by these events, please seek support from an appropriate agency.”

Three injured sent home from hospital

Thursday 25 April 2024 14:01 , Jane Dalton

The two teachers and a pupil who were hurt in a stabbing at a school in south Wales have been discharged from hospital, police say.

The teachers injured are reported to be Fiona Elias, the deputy head, and Liz Hopkin, a special-needs teacher.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokeswoman confirmed on Thursday that the victims have now been discharged.

Headteacher praises ‘calm and mature response’ of pupils and staff

Thursday 25 April 2024 13:40 , Joe Middleton

In a statement on the school website, headteacher James Durbridge praised staff and pupils for their “calm and mature response” to the lockdown.

“Today has been a very difficult day for us as all as in the school. It goes without saying that my thoughts are with the three individuals and their families, who have been affected by today’s incident.

“In the immediate aftermath of the incident, our priority was to ensure the security of pupils and staff whilst managing the situation and communicating with those directly impacted. Working with the police we issued communication as soon as feasibly possible.

“To support Dyfed Powys Police, the school will be closed tomorrow to all pupils and staff in order for officers to further carry out their investigations.

“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.”

He added: “On a final note, I wish to commend all staff and pupils for their calm and mature response during today’s lockdown. We are proud to have witnessed pupils embodying the school’s core values while supporting their peers and staff.”

Latest update from Carmarthenshire Police

Thursday 25 April 2024 12:27 , Joe Middleton

Police remain at Ysgol Dyffryn Amman today, following an incident yesterday in which three people were injured.Officers will be at the school throughout the day as the CID-led investigation progresses.

A teenage girl remains in custody after being arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Two teachers and a teenage pupil were taken to hospital with stab wounds, which were not life-threatening.All three have now been discharged.

Carmarthenshire Superintendent Ross Evans said: “As can be expected with an incident as serious as this, there will continue to be a police presence at the school throughout the day today.

“Officers at the scene will be looking for evidence to assist the investigation, while other specialist teams will analyse any information submitted through our dedicated web page.

“We understand the level of concern in the community as people try to process the incident. We urge anyone affected by yesterday’s events to seek support, and not to share any videos, photos or information that might cause further distress to pupils or parents at the school.

“We continue to work with Carmarthenshire County Council and other agencies as they provide support to those affected by yesterday’s events.”

Teacher ‘seriously hurt’ in stabbing attack

Thursday 25 April 2024 11:42 , Joe Middleton

A teacher stabbed in the neck during the attack at a Welsh secondary school is “seriously hurt” but has been sent home to recuperate.

Liz Hopkin, 53, a special needs teacher at Amman Valley School in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, was attacked and stabbed four times. A female pupil has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Ms Hopkin’s husband, John, told The Times: “She’s quite seriously hurt but she will recover.

“She’s come home — once they stitched her up they said there’s no point in keeping her in hospital.”

Pictured: Deputy head and special needs teacher who were victims of knife attack

Thursday 25 April 2024 11:05 , Joe Middleton

Fiona Elias was taken to hospital alongside another teacher and a female pupil after a fight broke out on the playground of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Carmarthenshire at the end of the morning break.

The other teacher injured in the attack has been reported to be Liz Hawkin, a special needs learning teacher.

Questions will have to be raised about security in all schools, says Senedd member

Thursday 25 April 2024 10:43 , Joe Middleton

Senedd member Cefin Campbell, who represents Mid and West Wales for Plaid Cymru, said there would be questions asked about security in schools.

“There’s been high praise for the way that the school and the emergency services have dealt with the situation,” he told BBC Radio Wales.

“But inevitably questions will have to be raised in the Senedd about security in all schools in Wales.

“Let’s hope it’s a one off, but you just don’t know the way the society has changed. We have to ask questions about the way we move forward.

“We certainly don’t want to go down the route of America but there are parts of the UK where bags are checked every day, there’s metal detectors, as well as random checks by police.

“None of us want to go down that road but we’ve just obviously got to ask questions. What lessons can we learn from this?”

Amman Valley School not open today as police continue investigation

Thursday 25 April 2024 09:52 , Joe Middleton

Amman Valley School will not open on Thursday to allow police to continue their investigation.

It is maintained by Carmarthenshire County Council and provides education to 1,450 school pupils, in addition to 270 sixth form pupils.

Headteacher praises ‘calm and mature response’ of pupils and staff

Thursday 25 April 2024 08:27 , Holly Evans

In a statement on the school website, headteacher James Durbridge praised staff and pupils for their “calm and mature response” to the lockdown.

“Today has been a very difficult day for us as all as in the school. It goes without saying that my thoughts are with the three individuals and their families, who have been affected by today’s incident.

“In the immediate aftermath of the incident, our priority was to ensure the security of pupils and staff whilst managing the situation and communicating with those directly impacted. Working with the police we issued communication as soon as feasibly possible.

“To support Dyfed Powys Police, the school will be closed tomorrow to all pupils and staff in order for officers to further carry out their investigations.

“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.”

He added: “On a final note, I wish to commend all staff and pupils for their calm and mature response during today’s lockdown. We are proud to have witnessed pupils embodying the school’s core values while supporting their peers and staff.”

Local councillor expresses disbelief at triple stabbing in Carmarthenshire

Thursday 25 April 2024 07:35 , Holly Evans

Councillor Ann Davies, who represents the Llanddarog area in Ammanford, has been speaking to BBC Radio Wales outside the school this morning.

She said: “This is so unexpected within Carmarthenshire, and within the whole of Wales. As a local authority we have spent hundreds of thousands of pounds creating fencing around each one of our schools in order to keep our pupils safe. Not thinking, perhaps, that the problem would be from within inside that fencing.

“We would assume that any dangers come from the outside but, of course, this tragic incident happened inside the school itself. This is just one incident. We never thought this would happen in Carmarthenshire.”

Police will work tirelessly to understand this, says crime tsar

Thursday 25 April 2024 05:00 , Jane Dalton

The police and crime commissioner for Dyfed-Powys said he was deeply shocked by the stabbing.

Dafydd Llywelyn said: “My thoughts go out to all those affected, including the pupils, teachers and staff who were involved or witnessed this terrifying ordeal. Our thoughts are also with the families and friends of those injured.

“I want to commend those at the scene that ensured that the situation was brought under control and the emergency services who attended to safeguard the scene and reassure the public.”

He added: “I want to assure the public that the police investigation is ongoing, and that officers and staff will work tirelessly to understand the circumstances surrounding this incident.”

Ed Davey ‘troubled’ by stabbings

Thursday 25 April 2024 03:00 , Jane Dalton

Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said he was deeply troubled to hear of the school stabbings.

In full: Girl arrested on suspicion of attempted murder

Thursday 25 April 2024 01:00 , Jane Dalton

Full report:

Girl arrested over ‘attempted murder’ as three stabbed at Welsh school

‘Everyone knows someone at the school'

Wednesday 24 April 2024 23:30 , Jane Dalton

A councillor in the town where two teachers and a pupil were stabbed said the day had been difficult for everyone because “everyone knows someone in the school”.

Calum Higgins, who represents Ammanford Town Council’s Pantyffynon ward, said: “It’s quite a quiet town generally, it’s a small town. Everyone knows each other really well. We don’t really expect something like this to happen.

“Everyone knows someone in the school - everyone suddenly got concerned and started to worry. It was quite a worrying day, it’s been difficult for everyone.”

Headteacher says he is proud of pupils

Wednesday 24 April 2024 20:50 , Jane Dalton

The head of the Welsh school where two teachers and a pupil were stabbed has said he is proud of pupils’ responses to the attack.

In a statement posted on the Amman Valley School website, headteacher James Durbridge said: “Today has been a very difficult day for us as all as in the school [sic]. It goes without saying that my thoughts are with the three individuals and their families, who have been affected by today’s incident.

“In the immediate aftermath of the incident, our priority was to ensure the security of pupils and staff whilst managing the situation and communicating with those directly impacted. Working with the police, we issued communication as soon as feasibly possible.”

He added: “I wish to commend all staff and pupils for their calm and mature response during today’s lockdown.

“We are proud to have witnessed pupils embodying the school’s core values while supporting their peers and staff.”

Schools are safe and violent crime has dropped, says home secretary

Wednesday 24 April 2024 20:15 , Jane Dalton

Home Secretary James Cleverly described the stabbing of two teachers and a pupil at Amman Valley School as horrifying, saying schools in the UK are very safe and violent crime had reduced significantly.

Mr Cleverly said: “I’ve been receiving updates about this terrible situation whilst I’ve been here in Italy.

“Obviously my thoughts are with the individuals who have been hurt and their friends and family, and what must have been an incredibly difficult and scary situation for the young people involved.”

Praising the police and medical services for “acting so promptly” following the incident, he added: “We should remember that the school system in the UK, indeed life in the UK, is very safe - violent crime has been reduced significantly.

“Because of the increase in police numbers that we’ve seen in the UK, violent crime has reduced dramatically.

“Obviously when we see incidents like this, it is horrifying, of course it is, and we will look at the details of what happened.

“But, of course, we should remember that the UK is a safe country, I’m very proud of that, and we will do everything we can to ensure that remains the case.”

In pictures: Forensics experts look for evidence

Wednesday 24 April 2024 19:45 , Jane Dalton

‘Questions to answer'

Wednesday 24 April 2024 19:05 , Jane Dalton

Adam Price, the Plaid Cymru MS for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, said there would be questions to answer in coming days to ensure Amman Valley School staff and pupils felt safe.

“I think what more can we do to ensure the safety of everyone in the school community, what are the lessons from this particular incident, what could we do that we aren’t currently doing that could actually minimise - as far as is ever humanly possible - the chances of this ever happening again in Ammanford, or any other community in Wales,” he told the PA news agency.

“Those are the kind of questions I think we should be asking at the proper time, so that we can learn any lessons and prevent this kind of very traumatic incident ever happening again as much as possible.”

Mr Price, who attended the school - also known as Ysgol Dyffryn Aman - between 1980 and 1987, described the incident as a “bolt from the blue”.

He said: “It is my hometown, my school, and it is an excellent school in a really close-knit community. So, a knife attack like this is not something you associate with our community.”

This was grave shock, says council leader

Wednesday 24 April 2024 18:16 , Jane Dalton

Darren Price, leader of Carmarthenshire county council, said his thoughts were with the three people injured and their families.

“Our priority now is to do all that we can over the coming days and weeks to support the pupils and staff in the aftermath,” he said.

“Today’s events have come as a grave shock to the school community to Ammanford, Carmarthenshire and further afield.”

Police chief says events were distressing

Wednesday 24 April 2024 18:11 , Jane Dalton

Police Superintendent Ross Evans, Carmarthenshire Commander, said: “This was a very distressing incident, and our thoughts are with the victims, their families and everyone here at the school and in the community that’s been impacted by what has happened.

“We have set up a dedicated portal and asked that anyone with information that could help our investigation report it through this link to help police manage the volume of information currently coming into us.

“Lastly, I would like to thank the whole community for their support and patience while police emergency services, Carmarthenshire County Council and the school work through this distressing incident today and over the coming days.”

School to be closed tomorrow

Wednesday 24 April 2024 17:59 , Jane Dalton

The school will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, but lessons will continue online, a local councillor says.

Cllr Darren Price also appealed for pictures and video on social media to be removed.

Knife found to be used in evidence, police say

Wednesday 24 April 2024 17:56 , Jane Dalton

A knife has been recovered to be used as evidence, police say.

Superintendent Ross Evans, Carmarthenshire Commander, said the teachers and pupils being treated had not suffered life-threatening injuries.

Teenage girl arrested on suspicion of attempted murder: full report

Wednesday 24 April 2024 17:32 , Jane Dalton

Three injured at Welsh school after reports of stabbing

More officers will be out in force, says police chief

Wednesday 24 April 2024 17:10 , Jane Dalton

People living near the school will see more police in the area over the coming days as the investigation continues, a police chief says.

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.”

He said he would like to reassure parents and the public that the incident was over, and pupils had left the school.

“We are working with the school and other agencies to ensure appropriate support is available to all involved,” he added.

“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.”

He said police were working with the school, Carmarthenshire County Council, and other agencies to ensure appropriate support was available to all involved.

“Local people will see more police in the area over the coming days as the investigation continues,” Mr Evans added.

Teenage girl arrested on suspicion of attempted murder

Wednesday 24 April 2024 16:57 , Jane Dalton

A teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, police say.

Dyfed-Powys Police said a girl had been arrested after two teachers and a teenage student were stabbed at Amman Valley School in Carmarthenshire.

Forensics experts at work in school

Wednesday 24 April 2024 16:47 , Jane Dalton

There’s an eerie feel outside Amman Valley School after a teacher and pupils were injured in a reportedly knife attack earlier today, writes Alex Ross.

The incident happened while children were outside at lunch, and they were quickly rushed inside and placed under lockdown as emergency services arrived.

At 3.10pm, waiting parents outside were reunited with their children, and by 4pm all parents and pupils were gone from the black gated entrance to the school.

Now, a group of journalists remain while police officers, including forensic experts, work inside an area cordoned off by police tape at the school.

Police set to release more information

Wednesday 24 April 2024 16:40 , Jane Dalton

Police say they will give an update outside the school at 5.30pm.

Families informed, says school

Wednesday 24 April 2024 16:12 , Jane Dalton

Amman Valley School posted on its website: “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.”

Teacher wounded, says local man

Wednesday 24 April 2024 16:07 , Jane Dalton

Sion, 25, who has friends with children at the school, said he was alerted to the incident first by the sound of a helicopter, then posts on social media.

“I got down here because some of my mates with children here couldn’t, and I wanted to show my support and pass any information on,” he told The Independent.

“Children were kept in lockdown at the school following the incident until 3.10pm, when they left at normal time.”

He said he believed the incident involved pupils in Years 9-10, and that a teacher was hurt.

He said: “You never want to hear anything like this happening, especially in a small town like here where nothing happens, and definitively not in a school. I just hope everyone is OK.”