Dafen CP School in Llanelli forced to close over knife threat

A critical incident was declared after a primary school was forced to close due to a knife threat.

The threat, received online by the Metropolitan Police, suggested that individuals planned to attend Dafen Primary School in Llanelli with knives.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that the information was passed to the force at around 02:30 GMT on Monday, prompting an urgent response in coordination with Carmarthenshire County Council.

As a precaution, the decision was made to close the school, which has around 90 pupils.

Throughout the day, at least 13 police units were deployed to the school and surrounding area – including neighbourhood policing and prevention teams, a firearms unit, a dog unit and response officers – while investigators assessed the credibility of the threat.

It has since been confirmed that the report originated from a single anonymous source that could not be identified, with no further information to substantiate it.

Following extensive inquiries by specialist investigators, police have said the risk has passed.

There is no ongoing investigation, and officers have no reason to believe there is any danger to residents, other schools, or the wider Llanelli area.

Gold Commander Superintendent Chris Neve said: “We recognise the concern among families of children who attend Dafen CP School, and the wider community today, and apologise we have not been in a position to provide this detail any sooner.

“The safety of the school and integrity of the inquiry have been paramount – and prevented more details being shared before this point.”

He added that an increased police presence would be at the school and the surrounding area throughout the evening, with teams also attending schools in the wider Llanelli area to provide reassurance on Tuesday.