Multiple schools are on lockdown after armed police respond to a ‘major incident’ after rushing to reports of a ‘serious assault’ in Aberfan, South Wales.
One person has rushed to hospital for further treatment, the Welsh Ambulance Service said.
Locals on social media report the presence of armed police, ambulances and an air ambulance.
South Wales Police released a statement on social media, reading: ‘Emergency services are responding to serious assault that took place on Moy Road, Aberfan, Merthyr just before 9.10am this morning.
‘Armed officers are in the area, and we request that people avoid the area so that we can effectively deal with this incident.
Police officers at the scene in Aberfan as police respond to a ‘major incident’
Forensic officers could be seen gathering evidence at the scene on Tuesday lunchtime
‘More detail will follow as soon as available.’
Police are asking people to stay away from the area and not to post ‘speculative’ comments on social media.
Images from the scene show multiple emergency service vehicles in attendance.
Forensic officers can be seen gathering evidence with a police cordon at Coronation Place, which connects to Moy Road.
A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: ‘We were called today at approximately 9:10am to reports of an incident in Aberfan, Merthyr Tydfil.
‘We sent one emergency ambulance, one air ambulance and one Cymru High Acuity Response unit to the scene where advanced critical care support was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service.
‘We conveyed one patient by road to University Hospital Of Wales, Cardiff for further treatment.’
One of the schools locked down is Greenfield School, which is a special needs school, in Aberfan.
Posting on X, headteacher Rhiannon S. Davies said: ‘Dear Parents and Carers, We are aware of an ongoing police incident in Aberfan.
‘We just wanted to reassure you that as a precaution we are keeping the pupils safe inside the building, and all perimeter gates are locked.’
Trinity Childcare and Family Centre also confirmed it had locked down ‘as a precaution’.
Police are asking people to stay away from the area and not to post ‘speculative’ comments on social media
A person has been stabbed and rushed to hospital for further treatment, the Welsh Ambulance Service said
Police confirmed they were called to Moy Way, Aberfan at 9.10am this morning
A spokesperson said: ‘Trinity Childcare and Family Centre Ltd Aberfan are currently in lockdown as a precaution due to an incident within the Community. All staff and children are safe.’
Ynysown Primary School is also reportedly in lockdown, with parents receiving text messages informing them that all children are safe.
Parents were told: ‘Due to an incident in the locality school is currently on lockdown as a precautionary measure.
‘All children are well, we will update parents in due course. Please do not call the school as we are keeping the lines free in case police need to call.’
MP for Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney Gerald Jones said: ‘I have spoken to police regarding a serious incident in Aberfan this morning.
‘You may see an increased police presence in the area and I’d encourage everyone to co-operate with police officers as they deal with the incident.’
Member of the Senedd for Merthyr Tydfil, Dawn Bowden added: ‘I am aware of a serious incident in Aberfan this morning.
‘I have spoken to the Police and will await further information from them. However, please take advice given by the Police who will be grateful for your co-operation while this incident is dealt with. Thank you.’
A local living near the scene said that ‘nothing like this has happened here’.
Susan Prothero said she has lived in Aberfan, South Wales, for 30 years.
‘(It’s) a very quiet area,’ she said. ‘I have lived here 30 years and nothing like this has happened here.’
She added that all she knew about the incident was that the woman had been taken to hospital.
A local community centre is also closed ‘until further notice’.
Wellbeing Methyr confirmed: ‘Due to an ongoing police incident in Aberfan, the Community Centre will be closed until further notice.’