A special needs teacher and a head of year were stabbed by a schoolgirl in a knife attack at a school in West Wales, before a fellow colleague managed to “wrestle the knife” out of the girl’s hands.
Three people were left injured at Amman Valley School in Carmarthenshire during the incident at 11.15am on April 24.
Two teachers and a pupil have now been identified as victims after a Year 9 student launched into a frenzy at the co-educational secondary school, which is also known as Ysgol Dyffryn Aman.
Drama and Welsh teacher Fiona Elias, and Liz Hopkin, who works with special needs students, are both “lucky to be alive” according to colleagues.
A teacher 'wrestled the knife' out of girl's hands after she stabbed a special needs teacher and a head of year
PA/Facebook
Elias was reportedly rushed to hospital after being knifed in the neck, whilst Hopkin is also understood to have been stabbed.
All three victims' injuries are non-life threatening and they have since been discharged from hospital.
A source told the Daily Mail: “The teacher targeted in the attack is lucky to be alive. She was stabbed in the neck, it was incredibly serious, but we have been told she will recover.
“A second teacher was also stabbed and a pupil who tried to intervene was stabbed.”
During the chaos, fellow teacher Darrell Campbell managed to disarm the girl by “wrestling the knife” out of her grip. He kept her in an armlock until emergency services arrived on the scene and was not harmed whilst subduing the teenager.
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Teacher Darrell Campbell managed to disarm the girl after Fiona Elias was stabbed in the neck
The girl has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and police said they are not looking at anyone else in connection with the incident.
Dyfed-Powys Police remain at the school today, as the day as the CID-led investigation progresses.
Superintendent Ross Evans released a statement 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.”
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.”
Dyfed-Powys Police previously urged people not to share footage of the incident on social media or speculate about what happened.
Police said they are not looking at anyone else in connection with the incident
PA
The school, which has an estimated 1,500 students, will remain closed today while an investigation continues
PA
Evans said: “I am aware that there is footage of the incident currently circulating on social media and would ask that this is removed to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation, and to avoid further distress to those involved. I would also ask that people do not speculate while there is a police investigation ongoing, and to refer to official channels for factual updates.
"Local people will see more police in the area over the coming days as the investigation continues. I would like to reassure parents and the public that the incident has concluded, and pupils have now left the school.
The school, which has an estimated 1,500 students, will remain closed today while an investigation continues.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak responded to the incident: “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.”
Home Secretary James Cleverly said: “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.”