'Heavily pregnant' woman, 29, is rushed to hospital after being stabbed in the street in Aberfan while taking her child to school in 'domestic incident' - as schools are locked-down as armed police hunt knifeman

A manhunt for a suspected knifeman has been launched today after a 'heavily pregnant' woman was stabbed in Aberfan in a suspected 'domestic incident'.

Armed police swooped on Moy Road in the South Wales village shortly after 9am this morning after the 29-year-old woman was reportedly found in a pool of blood on the pavement.

Multiple schools and childcare centres were placed on lockdown amid a police hunt for the suspect. Neighbours ran into the street with pillows and blankets while emergency services arrived.

The woman, who according to neighbours is 'heavily pregnant', was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff for treatment. South Wales Police said that her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

In a statement, South Wales Police said: 'The suspect left the scene immediately after the incident and enquiries are ongoing to find him. A search of the immediate area is being carried out by armed officers. 

'Local schools have activated their lockdown protocols to keep pupils safe whilst the incident is ongoing.

'We continue to request that people avoid the area so that we can effectively deal with this incident. The woman has been taken to hospital with injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening at this time.'

Images from the scene show multiple emergency service vehicles in attendance. Forensic officers can be seen gathering evidence with a police cordon at Coronation Place, which connects to Moy Road. 

A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We were called today at approximately 9:10am to reports of an incident in Aberfan, Merthyr Tydfil.

'We sent one emergency ambulance, one air ambulance and one Cymru High Acuity Response unit to the scene where advanced critical care support was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service.

'We conveyed one patient by road to University Hospital Of Wales, Cardiff for further treatment.'

Villager Gareth Jones, 64, told MailOnline: 'She's not been here for long and was heavily pregnant - not far from giving birth.

'She was taking her child to one of the local schools when this man came out of nowhere and stabbed her in the street.

'It looks like the fellow is still on the loose, there are police everywhere.'

An air ambulance landed on the nearby Taff Trail walking track to take the woman to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

Mr Jones continued: 'Another police helicopter was hovering above the village and the street has been cordoned off.

'You can see the pillow and blankets that people gave the women to keep her comfortable until an ambulance arrived.'

The attack happened just half a mile from the scene of the 1966 Aberfan disaster when 116 children and 28 adults were killed when a colliery tip collapsed onto the village school.

Mr Jones, one of the few children to survive the catastrophe, added: 'The air ambulance landed behind the Aberfan disaster memorial gardens. This is the most police activity we've had in the village since that dreadful day. 

'There are forensic officers in white suits at the spot where she was attacked. Everyone is just praying the woman is going to be ok.'

One of the schools locked down is Greenfield School, which is a special needs school. Posting on X, headteacher Rhiannon Davies said: 'Dear Parents and Carers, We are aware of an ongoing police incident in Aberfan. 

'We just wanted to reassure you that as a precaution we are keeping the pupils safe inside the building, and all perimeter gates are locked.'

Trinity Childcare and Family Centre also confirmed it had locked down 'as a precaution'.

A spokesperson said: 'Trinity Childcare and Family Centre Ltd Aberfan are currently in lockdown as a precaution due to an incident within the Community. All staff and children are safe.'

Ynysown Primary School was also in lockdown, with parents receiving text messages informing them that all children are safe. 

Parents were told: 'Due to an incident in the locality school is currently on lockdown as a precautionary measure. All children are well, we will update parents in due course. Please do not call the school as we are keeping the lines free in case police need to call.'

MP for Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney Gerald Jones said: 'I have spoken to police regarding a serious incident in Aberfan this morning. 

'You may see an increased police presence in the area and I'd encourage everyone to co-operate with police officers as they deal with the incident.'

Speaking to Sky News, he added: 'Aberfan is a very close knit, tight community. The community centre and the schools are very close by, hence the reason why police are keen for people not to go to the area.

'The community centre has closed its doors for the moment, and the schools have locked down as well because they are in very close proximity to Moy Road. The community, as I said, is a very tight-knit community so there is, undoubtedly, serious concern within the community.'

He added that he had been assured by police that they were dealing with the incident 'as quickly and effectively as they can'.

Member of the Senedd for Merthyr Tydfil, Dawn Bowden added: 'I am aware of a serious incident in Aberfan this morning. I have spoken to the Police and will await further information from them. However, please take advice given by the Police who will be grateful for your co-operation while this incident is dealt with. Thank you.' 

A local community centre was also closed 'until further notice'.

Wellbeing Methyr confirmed: 'Due to an ongoing police incident in Aberfan, the Community Centre will be closed until further notice.'