Teenager remains in custody as school closes and patrols increased to reassure community
POLICE have confirmed they are no longer stationed at Milford Haven School after a teacher was assaulted by a pupil on Thursday afternoon (Feb 5), as the injured member of staff has now been discharged from hospital.
In a joint statement issued by Dyfed-Powys Police, Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board, Superintendent Chris Neve said swift action had been taken to protect pupils and staff.
He 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.
“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.
“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.”
The injured teacher was earlier taken to hospital by road ambulance.
An immediate lockdown was put in place at the school while emergency services responded. Most pupils had already left for the day, but those still on site were secured inside classrooms and offices as a precaution.
School closed on Friday
Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey said the school would be closed to pupils on Friday to allow support and safety measures to continue.
He 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 learners and parents, along with the wider community, that all measures to ensure safety are being taken.”
The health board added that anyone needing urgent mental health support can call NHS 111 and press option 2 for 24-hour assistance.
National spotlight
The incident has drawn national media attention.
BBC News broadcast live from the school gates during its Ten O’Clock News bulletin, while ITV News and several national titles also covered developments.
Journalists from a number of UK outlets, including The Sun, contacted The Herald as events unfolded, with several Welsh and national publishers using photographs first taken by Herald reporters.
Residents said the scale of coverage was unprecedented for the normally quiet port town.
Police enquiries are continuing.
