“NO INTRUDER” entered a school in Rhyl which was put into lockdown yesterday (April 25), its interim headteacher has said.

Christ the Word Catholic School, on Cefndy Road, said it was briefly in lockdown yesterday afternoon due to a “credible threat to a pupil” from an “intruder”.

Bernadette Thomas, the school’s interim head, email parents to share more information about the incident at 4.30pm yesterday.

This was followed by a further statement from Mrs Thomas last night, circulated to parents and shown to the Journal.

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‘Credible threat’ from ‘intruder’ put Rhyl school on lockdown

Rhyl school put in lockdown following incident

The statement read: “Evening all, I have been made aware of posts on social media regarding the incident at school this afternoon. I cannot go into too much detail around the event.

“However, I would like to reassure you that the school building was not compromised at any point - no intruder entered the building. 

“The police did a thorough search of our grounds, front and back and no intruder was found.  The actions we took were precautionary and designed to ensure the safety of your children.”

Shortly before 3pm yesterday, North Wales Police officers responded to reports of “suspicious behaviour” near the school.

At 2.57pm, a text sent to parents and shown to the Journal, read: “We are in a full lockdown. Everything is under control.

This was followed by another text at 3.09pm saying: “Lockdown is over. Please collect your children from the normal exit.”

Mrs Thomas also acknowledged that the school’s communication did not reach all parents in her statement.

She added said school systems will be checked regarding this.

Her statement added: “The initial message was very brief, we know; however, we were working within the moment and were aware parents would be making their way to school and could potentially be in danger themselves. 

“We wanted to get that information to you as soon as possible whilst also liaising with the police and local authority. 

“There wasn't time, nor did we have too much detail to share. Once again, I would like to thank you for your understanding.”

Mrs Thomas’ initial message to parents said: “Following a credible threat to a pupil from outside of school, we made the decision to put the school into a lockdown situation.

Another parent said that the school grounds had “security guards and police around it, and cars couldn’t enter”.

Chief Inspector David Cust, of North Wales Police, said: “It’s understandable there may be concerns.

“However we don’t believe there to be any risk to the school or the public, but we will continue to have a high presence in the area.

“Anyone with information that could assist with our enquiries is asked to contact us on 101, or via the website, quoting reference number Q057681.”

A North Wales Police spokesperson added: “The investigations are continuing and there is an increased police presence in the area for reassurance purposes.”