A primary school in Risca, Wales, was placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure after reports of a man with an air rifle bag nearby. Risca Primary School, located in the Caerphilly borough, initiated the lockdown following advice from the police at around 9 am on Thursday, September 26. The authorities took action due to an incident in the community, although there were no direct threats made to the school. The lockdown was a precautionary measure, according to the council. Additionally, nearby Coleg Gwent also implemented similar lockdown procedures.
Gwent Police confirmed receiving reports of a man carrying an air rifle bag in the Dan y Graig Road area around 9 am. Officers conducted a search of the area and recovered a firearm, ensuring public safety. Headteacher Mrs. Farley reassured parents in a letter that all children and staff were safely inside the building. She emphasized that the lockdown was purely precautionary, with no immediate danger to the school community. Gwent Police clarified that no threats were made to the public, and they did not directly advise schools or colleges to initiate lockdown measures.
A spokesperson for Caerphilly Council stated that the school followed lockdown procedures as a precaution, following advice from the police. The spokesperson confirmed that there was no direct threat to the school, and all necessary procedures were efficiently followed. Describing the incident, Gwent Police mentioned receiving a report of a man with an air rifle bag in Risca and recovering the firearm promptly.
Parents and the local community were reassured that the lockdown was a precautionary step in response to the situation, and authorities swiftly resolved the issue to ensure public safety. The cooperation between the school, police, and council in handling the incident demonstrated a proactive approach to maintaining security and peace of mind for residents in the area.