Three Cardiff schools including Eastern High and Llanishen High were closed after malicious communications were made to police, but parents are furious claiming they were kept in the dark about the threats
Parents of pupils at two Cardiff schools, which were shut following malicious threats, have voiced their frustration, alleging that information was “kept from them.”
On Monday, both Eastern High School and Llanishen High School were closed as a precaution after South Wales Police received threats via its live text platform.
Late on Monday night, the police received additional communication concerning St Illtyd’s High School. It has now been confirmed that the information leading to the precautionary closures is being investigated as malicious communications, with plans in place to reopen the schools on Wednesday.
However, in the wake of these measures, some parents have expressed concerns about the amount of information they were given directly regarding the closures.
One parent vented their frustrations on WalesOnline’s social media channels, stating: “What’s bad is they knew this and kept it from us parents who have parental duty to our children, not the schools.”, reports Wales Online.
“They may feel it is safe to be open tomorrow but many parents will disagree. Threats made against the school were obviously intended for a full school and they’ve been empty for two days. What makes them think it won’t happen when they go back. These are terror threats against our children.
“The school can not guarantee safety of our kids. To enter Eastern High you literally have to be buzzed in. Terror attackers ain’t just going to rock up to the door with a bomb are they. Vehicles could be planted with explosives deliveries, literally anything. They simply cannot guarantee our children’s safety.”
Another chimed in: “What’s not fair is that us as parents with children in these school have not been told anything and are expected to send out children back. We know more from the media than the actual schools.” A third penned: “I wouldn’t be sending my kids back.”
A spokesperson for Cardiff Council stated: “We understand how concerning recent events have been for parents, carers and school communities, and we want to reassure them that the safety of pupils and staff are always our absolute priority.
“South Wales Police has confirmed that the information which led to the precautionary closure of Eastern High School and Llanishen High School is now being investigated as malicious communications.
“Following extensive enquiries, detailed assessments and thorough searches at all affected schools, no evidence has been found of any person attending any of the schools who posed a threat. As a result, Eastern High School and Llanishen High School will reopen tomorrow, Wednesday March 18.
“South Wales Police received additional correspondence concerning St Illtyd’s High School late on Monday evening. Searches were conducted overnight and into the early hours of this morning, and once again no evidence has been discovered of any individual attending the schools who presented a threat, and the school was safe to open today.
“The precautionary closures were implemented to ensure the safety of pupils, staff and the wider school community whilst police investigations were carried out. All schools have robust safeguarding arrangements in place, and through close multi‐agency working we want to reassure parents and carers that schools are safe environments for children and young people.”
A police spokeswoman stated: “South Wales Police can confirm that information which resulted in two Cardiff schools being closed is now being investigated as malicious communications.
“At around 8.30pm on Sunday, March 15 the force received a live chat making threats to harm people with weapons at Llanishen High School and Eastern High School.
“Further communication was received late last night (Monday, March 16) regarding St Illtyd’s High School. Extensive enquiries have been conducted. Information has been assessed and thorough searches have been conducted at all schools.
“Searches were conducted through the night into the early hours of this morning (Tuesday, March 17). No evidence has been found of any person attending any of the schools posing a threat. We understand that events this week have caused concern and disruption for parents and the community.
“Whilst the investigation continues to determine the origin of the malicious communications, we would ask people to avoid spreading rumour and misinformation, and to only share information from official sources. We thank the schools, parents and the wider community for their support and understanding.”