Wales school stabbing – latest: Three injured after reports of knife attack at Carmarthenshire school

One mother, Charlotte Rogers, who was waiting for her daughter to come out of Ammanford school, said: “She said that one teacher and two pupils had been stabbed, that’s all I know.

“She said she was scared. She’s a tough cookie so fingers crossed. I just want to give her a big hug. I just want everyone to be safe.

“This shouldn’t have happened.

“At the end of the day, they should have had measures in place beforehand, when they first opened the school, to make sure it was safe for them.”

Many of the parents who had gathered outside Amman Valley School tearfully hugged their children as they left, from 3.20pm.

The school had been “in lockdown” for several hours.

No staff, parents or pupils were being allowed to go in or out of the school after the violence. There was still a large police presence.

A headteachers’ union described an incident at a school in Ammanford as horrifying.

Eithne Hughes, director of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) Cymru, said: “While we don’t know the full details of what has happened, this is clearly a horrifying incident and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected at the school and in the wider community.”

Wales Air Ambulance said three critical care teams were sent to the school at 11.30am.

A spokesperson said: “We were called shortly after 11.15am to an incident on Margaret Street in Ammanford.

“We sent four emergency ambulances and the hazardous area response team to the scene, where crews were supported by two Cymru high-acuity response unit paramedics and an operational manager.

“Advanced critical care support was delivered by the emergency medical retrieval and transfer service in two Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopters.”

A spokeswoman added: “Our Dafen and Welshpool based crew were mobilised by air and our Cardiff based crew was mobilised by road. Unfortunately, we cannot comment any further.”

Amman Valley School, or Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, is a bilingual comprehensive school for children aged between 11 and 18.

Maintained by Carmarthenshire County Council, it provides education to 1,450 school pupils and 270 sixth-form pupils.

Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said:“The reports emerging from Ysgol Dyffryn Aman are extremely concerning.

“Schools should be a place of safety, learning and discovery. It is deeply sad and distressing that today teachers and pupils have had that safety shattered by a violent incident.

“My thoughts are with all staff and pupils at the school, and we thank the emergency services for their work.”

A school governor has reportedly confirmed a stabbing took place.

The Sun says Karen Davies said two staff members were injured but did not know whether any pupils had been harmed.

The Independent has tried but been unable to contact Ms Davies to seek confirmation.

Two girls were involved in events before two staff intervened, staff at the school are reported to have said.

A senior educational professional, who does not work at the school but has spoken to those who do, told WalesOnline: “I understand that two learners, two girls, were involved and that two members of staff intervened.

“I don’t know how serious the injuries are but it is awful. I have that from someone who works in the school.”

Prime minister Rishi Sunak posted on social media: “Shocked at the news emerging from Ammanford today.

“I want to thank the police and emergency services for their ongoing response and my thoughts are with all those affected.”