A 13-year-old girl made her first court appearance on Friday in Wales, facing three counts of attempted murder after a shocking incident at a secondary school.
The attack unfolded at Amman Valley School in Ammanford, just north of Swansea, around 11:00 am (1000 GMT) on Wednesday.
The school was thrust into chaos as a “code red” alarm blared over the public address system, prompting a swift lockdown that lasted for four tense hours.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, finding two teachers and a teenage pupil suffering from stab wounds.
After being taken to hospital for treatment, the three injured individuals have since been discharged.
Among the victims were Fiona Elias, the deputy head, and Liz Hopkin, a special-needs teacher.
Despite the distressing situation, headteacher James Durbridge commended the school community for their composed and mature response during the lockdown.
In a somber courtroom scene at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court, the 13-year-old suspect, whose identity remains protected due to her age, appeared devoid of emotion as she confirmed her name and address.
Senior prosecutor Michael Cray outlined the charges against her, which include three counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article on school premises.
“Criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial,” Cray emphasized during the hearing.
The incident has deeply shaken the local community, with Plaid Cymru’s Adam Price describing Amman Valley School as a vital hub for the area.
The swift and coordinated response of emergency services, along with the poise exhibited by staff and students during the lockdown, have underscored the resilience of the community in the face of tragedy.
The accused girl is scheduled to appear at Swansea Crown Court on May 27, where the legal process will continue to unfold.
As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on providing support to all those affected by this distressing event, while efforts are made to understand the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident at Amman Valley School.
