A CARMARTHENSHIRE primary school was closed on Monday (Nov 3) after an anonymous online threat claimed individuals would attend the site with knives.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that a “critical incident” was declared in response to the threat against Dafen Community Primary School in Llanelli, which was reported to the Metropolitan Police before being passed to Dyfed-Powys Police at around 2:30am.
At least 13 police units were deployed to the school and surrounding areas throughout the day, including firearms officers, a dog unit, neighbourhood policing teams, and response officers. The operation was carried out in partnership with Carmarthenshire County Council.
Specialist investigators have since confirmed the threat came from a single anonymous online source that cannot be identified, and that no information has been found to substantiate it.
Superintendent Chris Neve, who acted as Gold Commander, said: “We recognise the concern among families of children who attend Dafen CP School, and the wider community today, and apologise that we have not been in a position to provide this detail any sooner.
“The safety of the school and integrity of the inquiry have been paramount and prevented more details being shared before this point. We recognise the frustration among the community today, and although we have endeavoured to provide as much information as soon as possible, we recognise this has led to concern.”
Police say the risk is now deemed to have passed and there is no ongoing investigation. Officers have also confirmed there is no reason to believe there is any risk to people living near the school, other schools, or the wider Llanelli area.
An increased police presence will remain around Dafen CP School this evening, with reassurance patrols also visiting other schools in the Llanelli area on Tuesday.
Parents and guardians will continue to receive official updates via the school’s communication app.
