Deputy head praises ‘calm and professional’ staff and pupils during lockdown

A TEACHER injured in a serious incident at Milford Haven Comprehensive School has been discharged from hospital as the school confirmed it will reopen on Monday with extra support in place.

A 15-year-old boy remains in police custody on suspicion of attempted murder following the alleged assault at around 3:20pm on Thursday (Feb 5).

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police were called to the school after reports that a pupil had assaulted a member of staff while brandishing a weapon. The site was placed into immediate lockdown, with all pupils later sent home safely.

In a fresh statement issued late on Friday afternoon, school leaders and the council thanked staff, pupils and emergency services for their response.

Deputy headteacher Daryl John said: “On behalf of the school staff and governors, I would like to thank and praise all of the staff and the small number of pupils who remained on site. They all conducted themselves with professionalism and were calm throughout.

“We are extremely grateful to the emergency services for their rapid and effective response. Our heartfelt best wishes go out to our colleague, and we look forward to their full and speedy recovery.”

Jon Harvey, leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, said he was pleased the school would reopen next week.

He added: “If there are any pupils who have been affected by the incident and require additional support, please ask teachers or staff who will be able to help with well-being provision.

“Lockdowns such as that implemented on Thursday afternoon are routinely rehearsed by schools so that on the very rare occasions where they are needed, everyone knows what to do.

“As a Local Authority we will of course continue to support Milford Haven School in whatever way possible following this awful incident.”

Earlier, the council and Hywel Dda University Health Board confirmed specialist support would be available for staff and learners, and advised anyone needing urgent mental health help to call NHS 111 and press option two.

Local MP Henry Tufnell and teaching unions including NASUWT and National Education Union have also expressed concern and support for the school community.

Parents described the town as subdued, with one telling The Herald it felt “like a lockdown morning” with no children walking to school.

Police enquiries are ongoing.

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.

Photo caption:

Police outside Milford Haven School following Thursday’s incident (Pics: Herald).

As closure looms, campaigners say Meidrim pupils thrive in ‘caring community’ as council consultation raises fears for vulnerable learners

A SMALL village primary school at the heart of rural Carmarthenshire is at the centre of a growing campaign to prevent its closure, with supporters warning that vulnerable children could suffer serious consequences if it shuts.

The Cymdeithas yr Iaith has backed efforts to secure the future of Ysgol Bentre Gymraeg Meidrim, describing small rural schools as “caring communities” that provide vital stability for children with additional needs.

At the centre of the case is pupil Tommy Webber, who lives with Bloom Syndrome — an ultra-rare genetic condition which causes complex medical issues and additional learning needs. He is believed to be the only child in Wales diagnosed with the condition.

Medical professionals have advised the school that continuity, routine and trusted relationships are essential for Tommy’s wellbeing. Any disruption — including changing schools, longer daily travel or unfamiliar staff — could have a negative impact on his health, emotional security and educational progress.

Supporters say the small, close-knit nature of Meidrim has allowed staff to provide consistent, personalised care that would be difficult to replicate elsewhere.

However, Carmarthenshire County Council opened a statutory consultation on Thursday (Jan 16) on proposals to close the school, prompting concern from parents, campaigners and language groups.

Speaking on behalf of the Carmarthen region, Cymdeithas yr Iaith representative Sioned Elin said Tommy’s experience reflects a wider truth about the role of small rural schools.

“Tommy’s story shows how a small school can be a safe haven for children with additional needs,” she said. “Education here is genuinely child-centred, and pupils are supported as part of a caring Welsh-speaking community.

“In the same school there is also a deaf pupil, and the other children have learned some sign language so they can communicate with her. That demonstrates how this kind of environment benefits every child, not just one.”

She added that decisions about closures should not be based solely on budgets or pupil numbers.

“The impact cannot be measured purely in financial terms. The question must be whether any alternative provision can truly meet the needs of children who rely on stability and familiarity every day.”

Campaigners argue that losing the school would not only affect education standards but would also weaken the Welsh language and the social fabric of the village.

A supporting letter from hospital clinicians has been submitted as part of the consultation process.

Residents are now urging the council to recognise the wider value of small rural schools before making a final decision.