Heroic Teacher Subdues Attacker in Welsh School Stabbing Incident
In a courageous act amid chaos, a teacher at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Wales heroically subdued a knife-wielding student, averting further tragedy during a distressing episode that unfolded on Wednesday. The school, situated in Ammanford, was the scene of a major incident involving a teenage girl who reportedly went on a stabbing spree, injuring three people including two teachers and one student.
Darrel Campbell, the teacher at the center of the action, was credited with quickly controlling the situation by placing the assailant in an armlock, effectively disarming her. Eyewitnesses recounted the tense moments to MailOnline, detailing how Campbell intervened as the panic escalated. “Everyone was running and there were screams that the girl had was going mad with a knife. Mr. Campbell arrived on the scene and put her in a headlock and got the knife off her,” one witness described. Fortunately, Campbell was not injured during the ordeal, told by Mirror.
The attack prompted a swift response from local law enforcement and emergency services. Police confirmed that three individuals were transported to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. The teenage girl involved in the incident was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody.
The community response was immediate and robust, with dozens of police cars and two air ambulances dispatched to the site. The school was quickly placed on lockdown, leaving many students and parents in distress. Parents gathered at the school gates, anxiously awaiting news as their children were held inside.
Supt Ross Evans of the Dyfed-Powys Police sought to reassure the public, stating, “I would like to reassure parents and the public that the incident has concluded, and pupils have now left the school. We are working with the school and other agencies to ensure appropriate support is available to all involved.”
The incident drew widespread concern, including comments from high-profile figures. Vaughan Gething, First Minister of Wales, expressed his shock on social media, stating, “Shocked to hear news of the serious incident in Rhydaman [Ammanford]. A deeply worrying time for the school, families, and community.” Similarly, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak voiced his concerns, “Shocked at the news emerging from Ammanford today. I want to thank the police and emergency services for their ongoing response and my thoughts are with those all those affected.”
As the community begins to recover from the shock, the bravery displayed by Darrel Campbell and the swift action of emergency services have been a source of solace and pride. The incident has also sparked a broader conversation about safety and security in schools, underscoring the need for vigilance and preparedness in facing such critical situations.
Shocked at the news emerging from Ammanford today.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) April 24, 2024
I want to thank the police and emergency services for their ongoing response and my thoughts are with all those affected.