Posted on: Monday 20 October 2025
Gwent Police officers carried out a training exercise at Coed Eva Primary School earlier today.
Working with staff from the school, the exercise aimed to enhance the emergency response to potential major incidents and improve upon school lockdown processes.
Officers simulated an incident where two XL Bully dogs were seen jumping at members of the public in the vicinity of the school.
In the scenario, one of the dogs then entered the school grounds and a lockdown was put in place and police and ambulance personnel were deployed to the area.
School staff followed their safety protocols, immediately returning all children to the building and safety of their classrooms, while police officers and other emergency service personnel worked together to seize the dogs and secure the site and surrounding areas.
The exercise focused on how each responding agency worked with the other to ensure the safety of everyone at the school.
A silver commander oversaw the ‘incident’ from Gwent Police’s control room in Llantarnam, sharing real-time information with officers at the scene.
The incident involved South Wales Police’s well-being dog Carter being at the site throughout the duration of the exercise.
Chief Superintendent Jason White said:
“While the incident the scenario was based around is uncommon, it’s important we take part in these training days to ensure that, should they happen, we’re well-prepared to keep everyone as safe as possible.
“The exercise was a great learning experience for those managing resources in the control room and officers on the ground, and allowed us to test how we work with partners to respond swiftly and effectively.
“Understandably, school incidents can cause significant alarm and distress among communities, so clear, transparent and accurate communication during these events is essential, which was also discussed throughout the day.”
Andrew Powles, Director of Education at Torfaen Council, said:
“I’d like to thank staff and pupils at Coed Eva Primary School for supporting this exercise. All schools have lockdown procedures in place in the event of a potential risk, which enables emergency services to assess and deal with the situation in the quickest, safest way.
"Exercises like these test the multi-agency response so staff, pupils and parents can feel reassured the processes are in place to ensure the children’s safety at all times.”