Girl, 13, charged with attempted murder after stabbing at school in Wales
A 13-year-old girl has been charged with three counts of attempted murder following the stabbing of two teachers and a pupil in Wales.
Pupils at Amman Valley School, also known as Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, in Carmarthenshire, went into lockdown just after 11.20am on Wednesday after the stabbing at the end of morning break.
The three people who were treated for stab wounds were taken to hospital but have since been released.
The school is a comprehensive with around 1,500 students aged between 11 and 18.
In a statement read outside the school this evening, Superintendent Ross Evans said: ‘Two teachers and a pupil were taken to hospital with stab wounds. They have all since been discharged.
‘A 13-year-old-girl was arrested at the scene. She has now been charged with three counts of attempted murder.
‘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.’
Michael Cray, senior crown prosecutor 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.’
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and remains in police custody on suspicion of making threats referencing the school stabbing.
Superintendent Evans continued: ‘Following [the stabbing incident], yesterday evening our control room received a number of calls reporting concerns about messages being shared on social media which had references to the incident here at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman.
‘Officers swiftly carried out a warrant at the home of the person believed to be responsible for this content and a 15-year-old male has been arrested.
‘He also remains in police custody while we investigate these allegations.’
A BB gun was found at the home of the 15-year-old boy.
An injured teacher in the attack has been named as Fiona Elias, the head of year seven, by prime minister Rishi Sunak’s official spokesman.
The second adult is reported to be Liz Hopkin, a special needs teacher.
The spokesman said Mr Sunak’s thoughts are with those injured and offered praise for staff and students for responding so calmly and bravely to the incident.
Online lessons will continue but the school will stay closed for in-person teaching on Friday, Carmarthenshire County Council announced.
After the stabbings, headteacher James Durbridge said it had been a ‘very difficult day’ for the school.
He wrote on the school website: ‘It goes without saying that my thoughts are with the three individuals and their families, who have been affected by today’s incident.
‘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.’
Meanwhile Darrel Campbell has been hailed a ‘hero’ for jumping in to help his colleagues at the school.
His brother Cefin, who is the Senedd member for Mid and West Wales, said he has every intention of going back to the classroom despite how the attack has affected him.
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