**Police Clarify Role of Armed Officers After Incident at Rhyl High School**
North Wales Police have sought to reassure the public after the attendance of armed officers at Rhyl High School, following an incident of reported disorder at the site. The police presence generated concern among pupils, parents and local residents in the area, prompting officials to clarify why such a significant police response was required.
The episode unfolded on Thursday afternoon, with police receiving calls about disturbances at the school at approximately 3pm. Witness reports circulated quickly on social media, with some expressing alarm at the number of officers seen at the scene and suggesting the involvement of firearms. In response, North Wales Police issued a statement to stress that, while authorised firearms officers were present, their firearms were not drawn and they did not act in the capacity of armed officers.
A spokesperson for North Wales Police explained, “This afternoon, officers responded to disorder at Rhyl High School. Given the number of individuals involved, we deployed a significant police presence, including authorised firearms officers. However, we would like to be clear that these officers were not deployed as armed officers and had no authority to use their weapons during this operation.”
The police clarified that the choice to send firearms officers was made due to their proximity to the location and their ability to provide support to their colleagues during situations deemed potentially volatile or requiring sufficient manpower. Officials have underlined that there was no active firearm threat, and at no stage were any weapons unholstered or presented.
Parents collecting students from the school expressed both relief and concern at the nature of the incident. Many described feeling unsettled upon learning of armed officers’ presence, but welcomed the force’s explanation and swift action. “It was frightening to get a message about police and rumours of weapons, but I’m glad to hear no one was ever in real danger,” said one local parent.
Community reaction has varied, but many residents acknowledged that ensuring public safety in schools is paramount. In their public statement, police reiterated, “The priority for North Wales Police is always the safety and welfare of young people, staff, and the wider community. We deployed the resources necessary to de-escalate the situation and bring it to a swift and safe resolution.”
No injuries or arrests have been reported in connection with the incident at this time. School officials and police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disorder. North Wales Police have encouraged anyone with further information about the incident to contact them directly, emphasising the importance of maintaining clear channels of communication between the school, families, and law enforcement.
Analysts note that the presence of firearms units at public schools is uncommon in the region and usually reserved for incidents where there is believed to be a significant threat. The force’s detailed clarification aimed to allay community fears and dispel misinformation that may have arisen through social media speculation.
Rhyl High School has stated it will provide support for any students who were distressed by the police response, and counselling resources have been made available. The school’s leadership affirmed their commitment to safeguarding pupils while cooperating fully with authorities.
The incident serves as a reminder of the balance police must strike between thorough preparedness and community reassurance. While the attendance of firearms officers to a school can cause alarm, North Wales Police assert that their priority was, and remains, the peaceful resolution of incidents and the safety of all involved parties. Local authorities will continue monitoring the situation and updating the public as more information becomes available.