Police probe after college and school get ‘threats’
STUDENTS face having their bags and outer clothing searched by security after threats on social media were made against a Swansea college.
On Tuesday night, “a number of threats” were made on social media directed at Gower College Swansea’s campus in Tycoch, while threats were also received at Bishop Gore School in Sketty.
The college explained that while the person who made the threats had not been identified yet, they appeared to have “a good knowledge” of one of its departments. A letter sent to parents following the incident detailed that there would be a “higher than usual security presence” at the college, with police carrying out “searches of bags and outer clothing on students”.
The letter also indicated that the security presence would remain in place until the messages were traced back to the person that posted them.
A statement from Gower College Swansea read: “On the evening of April 13, the college was made aware of a number of threats made on social media which were directed towards our Tycoch campus. These were made by an individual who is yet to be identified but who clearly has a good knowledge of one of our departments.
“We are also aware that similar threats have been received in one of our partner schools.
“The college immediately contacted South Wales Police and we have been working closely with their officers today to ensure the ongoing health and safety of everyone at the campus. While the investigation is ongoing, we will maintain a higher than usual security presence at Tycoch which will help to reassure students and staff.”
Bishop Gore School confirmed it also received an “unsubstantiated communication”.
A statement from the school read: “The school followed standard procedures on Wednesday following receipt of an unsubstantiated communication. It liaised with police and all pupils and staff continued with lessons as usual.”
Police were called to both Gower College’s Tycoch campus and Bishop Gore School on Wednesday and confirmed on Thursday that investigations into the source of the threats were continuing. A spokesman said: “South Wales Police is continuing to look into the origin of malicious communications made against Gower College’s campus in Tycoch and Bishop Gore School.”
‘‘ The college was made aware of a number of threats made on social media which were directed towards our Tycoch campus. These were made by an individual who is yet to be identified but who clearly has a good knowledge of one of our departments - Gower College Swansea statement