Pupils and staff at Llanidloes High School went into a practice emergency lockdown on Wednesday (May 1) after an alleged attempted murder of two teachers and a student at a secondary school in Carmarthenshire.

Headteacher Daniel Owen told parents and carers that the drill was a precautionary measure and that the school was “already well-placed to deal with unforeseen critical incidents”.

In a letter sent last week, Mr Owen said: "You may have heard about the awful incident that occurred this week in Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, Ammanford. Teachers Fiona Elias, Liz Hopkin and a pupil were injured by a teenager with a 'bladed article'. Mrs Elias was one of the Estyn inspectors who spent the week with us in February.

County Times: Llanidloes High School headteacher Daniel Owen.Llanidloes High School headteacher Daniel Owen.

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"At Llanidloes, we are already well-placed to deal with unforeseen critical incidents thanks to the expert advice provide by Mr Scrase (Gofal Centre Manager) and his former colleagues at Dyfed-Powys Police. Mr Scrase has overseen the installation of terror alarms around the school, developed our lockdown protocols and delivered excellent staff training.

"As a further precautionary measure, we intend to complete a lockdown drill on Wednesday, May 1. Please be mindful that during the drill staff will be unable to answer any external calls.

"To minimise any adverse impact on pupils' learning, the drill will take place during tutor time. Early next week, your child will be told about the arrangements and be given the opportunity to ask questions.

"As Estyn recently reported, we are committed to ensuring that 'the well-being of staff and pupils is our highest priority' and ensure that 'arrangements to keep pupils safe are robust'."