One person is rushed to hospital after 'major incident' in Aberfan following 'serious assault' - with multiple schools and childcare centres on lockdown

Multiple schools are on lockdown after armed police rushed to reports of a 'serious assault' in South Wales.

Several schools were placed into lockdown on Tuesday morning as officers responded to a 'major incident' which saw the 'serious assault' take place in Aberfan.

Reports suggest there has been a stabbing near to a school. 

Locals on social media report the presence of armed police, ambulances and an air ambulance. 

South Wales Police released a statement on social media, reading: 'Emergency services are responding to serious assault that took place on Moy Road, Aberfan, Merthyr just before 9.10am this morning.

'Armed officers are in the area, and we request that people avoid the area so that we can effectively deal with this incident.

'More detail will follow as soon as available.'

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.'

One of the schools locked down is Greenfield School in Aberfan.

Posting on X, headteacher Rhiannon S. 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.'

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.'

This is a breaking news story and is being updated.