Four teenagers have been arrested following a “disturbance” in Whitchurch Village involving a large group of young people allegedly carrying dangerous weapons and looking to confront school pupils.
The group of over a dozen appeared to be waiting to confront pupils from Whitchurch High School at the end of the school day.
Police were called to the Warren Evans Court area on Friday (Jan 19) after school staff and members of the public had to disperse the group, who were not from Whitchurch High School or wearing any school uniform according to eye witnesses.
The area around Warren Evans Court, where the incident took place.
No one was injured but two teenage boys, aged 13 and 14 from Whitchurch High School, were identified by police as potential targets.
South Wales Police later recovered a “small handheld axe” from the roof of a shed near where the incident took place.
Two 18-year-olds and two 15-year-olds have been arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of offensive weapons.
“We hope these four arrests will reassure the local community that this matter is being taken very seriously,” said Inspector Debbie Brown, from Fairwater Police Station.
Automatic facial recognition technology helped to identify one of the 18-year-olds.
All four are on police bail pending further enquiries.
Huw Jones-Willams, Headteacher of Whitchurch High School, said: “I am extremely grateful for the support of South Wales Police, not only in terms of their quick response on the day, but also for the way they have worked closely with the school since then.
“I also want to thank the members of the public who helped me and my staff as the incident was unfolding.”
Since the incident there has been an increased police presence near the school and in the village.
Routine reassurance patrols outside @whs_cardiff this morning. #FairwaterNPT #KeepingCardiffSafe #Whitchurch ????????^JA pic.twitter.com/Y2sQCKDKqZ
— SW Police Cardiff (@swpcardiff) January 24, 2018
“Once again we remind parents to speak to their children about the dangers of carrying weapons so they can keep themselves, and others, safe,” said Insp Brown.
- Anyone with information is asked to please contact South Wales Police Cardiff on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference number *022856.
