News Every Day | 25 April 2024, 09:20

Two teachers stabbed in playground attack before colleague intervened

(Left to rihght) Fiona Elias and Liz Hopkin were named as the victims of the attack in Ammanford (Picture: Rex) — (Left to right) **Liz Hopkin** and Fiona Elias were named as the alleged victims of the attack in Ammanford (Picture: Rex)

Two teachers who were stabbed in a school playground in South Wales have been named and pictured for the first time today.

Fiona Elias and Liz Hopkin were identified as the two victims of the knife attack at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Ammanford at the end of morning break on Wednesday.

A major incident was declared at the school – also known locally as Amman Valley School.

Classrooms were put under lockdown, with pupils only leaving around four hours later.

Liz Hopkin teacher cms HOLD FOR DAN — Ms Hopkin jumped in to intervene during the attack

Fiona Elias has been identified as one of the teachers stabbed in the frenzy A SPECIAL needs teacher and head of year were stabbed in a school playground before a hero colleague managed to — Ms Elias is a drama teacher at the school

Drama and Welsh teacher Ms Elias, who is the head of year seven, and Ms Hopkin, who works with special needs students, were allegedly stabbed.

Jonathan Edwards, MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, told Channel 5 News that the two were taken to hospital.

One of them has since been released with injuries to the arm and hand, while the other has been transferred to Cardiff as the ‘situation is far more serious’.

Teacher, Darrel Campbell, is also said to have intervened.

He is said to have not been harmed during the incident. A student was is also alleged to have been stabbed, but their injuries are not life-threatening, Dyfed-Powys Police said.

Three people have been stabbed at a high school put into lockdown after a knife attack in the grounds. Parents say a female teacher and two pupils are fearing to be the victims of the stabbing - with police saying a lone suspect has been detained. More than 10 police cars and two air ambulance helicopters were sent to the school in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, after reports of a major incident. Parents reported the heavy police presence and air ambulances landing nearby the playing fields at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman school in Ammanford. WALES NEWS SERVICE — The school in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, went into lockdown for several hours (Picture: Wales News Service)

Hero teacher Darrel Campbell cms - HOLD FOR DAN images supplied by dan sanderson - no credit supplied by dan — Darrel Campbell has been praised for intervening in the attack

Headteacher James Durbridge praised staff and pupils for their ‘calm and mature response’ to the lockdown in a message on the school’s website.

A teenage girl remains in custody being questioned on suspicion of attempted murder following the stabbing.

Police have asked people not to speculate while their investigation is ongoing.

Dafydd Llywelyn, police and crime commissioner for Dyfed-Powys, said he was deeply shocked.

Mr 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.’

Students have been asked to stay at home today while the investigation is still ongoing.

Mr Llywelyn 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.’

‘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.’

This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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