School sent into lockdown as pupil arrested for attempted murder

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, after a teacher was injured during an incident at a Welsh school yesterday (Thursday).

Police were called to Milford Haven Comprehensive School, in Pembrokeshire, during the afternoon, after reports of a pupil "brandishing a weapon".

The school was locked down for a time and the teacher was taken to hospital for treatment following the incident.

An initial Dyfed Powys Police statement said: "Police are at Milford Haven Comprehensive School following an incident this afternoon."

Superintendent Chris Neve of Dyfed-Powys Police added: “We can confirm police are at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, following a report of the assault of a teacher by a pupil brandishing a weapon at the school at approx. 3.20pm.

"The teacher’s injury is not a stab injury. A lock down was implemented but has now been lifted. The teacher is receiving medical treatment for their injuries.

"All pupils at the location are safe, and most have gone home. Officers remain at the school. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempt murder and is in police custody." 

In an update last night, Superintendent Chris Neve of Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Police are no longer in attendance at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, following a report of the assault of a teacher at approx. 3.20pm this afternoon (Thursday, February 5).

"I would like to reassure parents, and the wider community, that swift action was taken to both safeguard pupils and teachers, and to trace the suspect as soon as this report was received.

“The teacher has now been discharged from hospital and is being supported by specialist officers. All pupils at the location were safe, and all returned home unharmed. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

“Parents and guardians will continue to receive any future updates directly through the school app.

“You will see a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days – these will be dedicated patrols to provide further reassurance to those living in and attending school in the area.

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Jon Harvey, said: “We would like to thank staff and pupils at Milford Haven School for implementing a swift and effective lockdown in response to this incident.

"While the school will be closed to pupils tomorrow if there are any learners who require additional support they are welcome to attend and there will also be support for staff on site.

“We’d like to reassure the learners and parents of the school, along with the wider community that all measures to ensure safety are being taken.”

Hywel Dda University Health Board also advised anyone needing to access urgent mental health support to please call 111 and press option 2. Advice and support from a mental health professional in our area is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.