A school has been forced to shut for the day and its pupils told to stay home after a gun threat was made. A picture of someone holding a hand gun along with the message "Don't come into school tomorrow" had earlier been posted on social media.
The image is thought to have been shared numerous times via Snapchat, leading some to raise the alarm. As a result, senior staff at St Julians School in Newport decided to close the school's doors on Tuesday, September 27 as a precautionary measure.
Parents of children who attend the high school on the city's Heather Road were also informed to keep them home. Meanwhile, armed police were spotted in the area this morning while investigations into the threatening message got underway.
A spokesperson for Gwent Police said: "We’re investigating an allegation of a threatening post on social media involving a firearm. Officers remain in the St Julians area of Newport as a precaution as enquiries continue.
"Specially trained firearms officers have now been stood down. St Julians School has taken the decision to close its premises."
A spokesperson for Newport City Council added that it was fully supportive of the school’s decision to close "to allow the police time to investigate thoroughly." She added. "The safety of pupils and staff was the primary consideration and we are now reassured that it is safe for the school to reopen tomorrow."
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