Two girls arrested on suspicion of teacher 'murder plot'

The girls, aged 15 and 14, were released on police bail following the incident at Cwmcarn High School in south Wales

Two teenage girls have been released on police bail after they were arrested on suspicion of planning to murder a teacher.

Officers were called to Cwmcarn High School, near Newport in south Wales, at approximately 11.54am on Thursday following concerns being raised about the behaviour of two pupils.

A 15-year-old girl from Newbridge and a 14-year-old girl from Risca were arrested and later bailed pending further inquiries.

Gwent Police said they were notified by a teacher at the school about the alleged plot.

A force spokesman stressed “no physical confrontation” had taken place.

The 15-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of threats to kill, possession of a “bladed article” on school premises and conspiracy to commit murder. It is believed a kitchen knife had been found in the girl's school bag.

Her 14-year-old friend was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder.

The teacher allegedly targeted, 46-year-old Alison Cray, told the BBC she had continued to work as normal following the incident.

The maths teacher, who has been at the school for more than 10 years, said: “It was all handled before it got to me.

“I know very little about it. It all happened elsewhere and I wasn't directly involved at all.

"I've been very lucky that I'm at Cwmcarn and that they have handled it so well. I've been working as normal and I'm fine."

A statement on the Cwmcarn school's website from head teacher Jacqui Peplinski said: "You may be aware that concerns were raised about a pupil in the school yesterday.

“Please be assured that the concerns were dealt with swiftly. There was no risk to any staff or learner and the relevant support services were contacted as a precautionary measure.

"Cwmcarn High is a caring and safe environment and we are committed to everyone's safety. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns."

The alleged murder plot comes less than a week after Ann Maguire, 61, was stabbed to death in a classroom attack at Corpus Christi Catholic College in Leeds.

A 15-year-old boy was remanded in custody at Leeds Crown Court on Friday, charged with her murder.

Gwent Police said in a statement: "Officers were called to Cwmcarn High School at approximately 11:54am on Thursday 1 May following concerns being raised about the behaviour of two pupils.

“Officers attended and arrested two girls, aged 15 and 14.

"They have since both been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

“Nobody was harmed as a result of the incident, and the matter was resolved peacefully.”

Additional reporting by Press Association