School warns pupils not to walk to lessons alone after girl threatened

An assistant headteacher has told his pupils not to walk too and from school alone after a man threatened a girl on her way to lessons. Bassaleg High School has sent an email out to parents warning them of the incident which police are investigating.

In an email to parents, assistant headteacher Justin Clayton Jones said: “We have become aware of an incident today that whilst on her way to school, under the Pye Corner bridge, a young girl was approached by a man under the influence who was shouting at her and behaving in an intimidating manner.

“We have reported this incident to the police who are investigating. We remind our school community to never travel on their own to and from school but to walk in groups. Pupils should report any incidents immediately on arrival at school or to parents on arrival home.” . For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter.

Read next: The big things going wrong in secondary schools in Wales

Read more: All the big things primary schools in Wales are getting right

Gwent Police said in a statement: “We received a report of a girl being approached by an unknown man on her way to school in Bassaleg at around 9.45am on Wednesday, 23 October. Officers attended, conducted patrols of the area and carried out CCTV enquiries.”

Police sergeant Jason Ghalamkary added: “We understand that incidents like this are concerning, and we will continue to carry out patrols in the area. We’re urging the public to continue reporting any incidents to us, as soon as possible to enable us to respond and inform the patrols.”

A Newport Council spokesperson said: “The council reiterates and supports the messages sent out by the school and would encourage anyone who sees anyone acting suspiciously or in an intimidating manner to report this to the relevant authorities.”

What is happening where you live? Find out by adding your postcode or visit InYourArea