Police officers carrying firearms were seen outside a secondary school in the UK on Monday. The presence of the officers came in response to threats that were made over the weekend to cause harm to individuals, prompting the closure of Llanishen High and Eastern High schools in Cardiff for investigation by South Wales Police.
The police force received a report around 8:30 pm on Sunday indicating threats to harm people at the schools. The information suggested that an individual planned to show up at the schools with weapons. Following consultations between the police and Cardiff Council, the decision was made to shut down both schools. Police officers were observed at the schools on Monday, with armed officers stationed at Eastern High in Trowbridge, as reported by WalesOnline.
Both schools are set to remain closed on Tuesday to allow staff to convene and finalize plans for implementing additional security measures to reassure parents and students before the anticipated reopening on Wednesday. South Wales Police confirmed that there is no evidence or indication of any individuals at the schools posing a threat.
Cllr Jayne Cowan, the Cardiff Council ward councillor for Rhiwbina, shared an update received from the local authority, stating that police investigations have not found any evidence of a credible threat at either school. The ongoing efforts to identify those responsible are continuing, with the police expressing no objections to the schools reopening.
South Wales Police emphasized that the decision to close the schools was made with the safety of students, staff, and the wider school community as a top priority. They assured that additional police presence will be visible in the area as investigations progress. Updates will be provided as new information emerges.
Parents and the community are encouraged to stay informed about the situation, and further updates will be shared as the investigation unfolds.