Police were called to an underpass outside a Barry school following reports of a teenage girl making knife threats to pupils on their way home. Parents have also reported social media threats of violence towards children at the same school, St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School, allegedly including pictures of weapons.
A South Wales Police spokesman said: "On Tuesday, January 23, officers attended the subway in Argae Lane, Barry, following reports that threats, via social media, had been made to school pupils. Officers spoke to school staff who were also present in the subway. No weapons were seen or found and nobody was hurt.
"We are aware of concerns among parents. The local neighbourhood policing team is increasing patrols in the area and inquiries are ongoing. We urge parents, carers, and teachers to speak to young people about the dangers of carrying a knife."
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WalesOnline understands five parents of St Richard Gwyn pupils have made reports to police over alleged threats to their children in recent weeks. The Snapchat messages are said to include pictures of a teenager holding a big knife with the caption "Smo [understood to mean 'serious mode on']" and of what appears to be a fake handgun.
One mum said her two daughters, aged 12 and 14, were among the children threatened by a teenage girl who was alleged to be waiting for them in the Argae Lane underpass at around 3.30pm on January 23 as the school day ended. That girl is not a pupil at St Richard Gwyn. The woman said she was "in shock" when she learned staff were keeping her daughters on school premises because of fears for their safety. While the girls were being kept inside a teacher went to the underpass to tell the teenager waiting there to leave, the mum claimed.
Parents told WalesOnline they are worried for the safety of children at St Richard Gwyn. A South Wales Police spokesman confirmed that on the morning of January 17 the force received a report of "malicious communications and threats being made via a video call". The spokesman added: "All parties were visited by officers and given words of advice."
In a joint statement the Vale of Glamorgan Council and St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School said: “The safety of pupils while at school is an absolute priority for both the council and St Richard Gwyn High and both take allegations of this type extremely seriously. School staff routinely supervise pupils as they pass through a subway near the school grounds.
“On Tuesday they moved on two individuals unconnected with the school without incident. Officers from South Wales Police also later attended but no significant action was required as no weapons were discovered.
“The school is also aware that malicious electronic communications have been sent to certain pupils. Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and all such reports have been forwarded to the police.
“Both the council and school will continue to support South Wales Police with inquiries and take any action necessary to address this matter.”
Meanwhile South Wales Police said it is "important that we continue taking action" to prevent knife crime. "Through our campaign #NotTheOne we aim to educate young people on the dangers of carrying a knife by giving parents, teachers, and community groups the tools they need to do this," the force spokesman added.
