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
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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.
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.
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 are urging 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
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The school, which has an estimated 1,500 students, will remain closed today while an investigation continues
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Superintendent Ross 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.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
