Two Cardiff Schools Closed Over Police Threat Probe 2026

Key Points

• Two schools in Cardiff, Llanishen High School and Eastern High School, remain closed on Monday, 16 March 2026, as a safety precaution.
• South Wales Police received a report on Sunday evening around 8.30pm via a “live chat,” which is now under investigation; specifics of the threats have not been publicly disclosed.​
• The closure decision was made in collaboration with Cardiff Council to prioritise the safety of pupils, staff, and the wider school communities.
• Superintendent Mark Kavanagh of South Wales Police stated that the decision was not taken lightly but aimed to avoid any risk.
• No further details on the nature of the report or threats have been released, with investigations ongoing as of 16 March 2026.​
• Schools are secondary institutions located in the Llanishen area of Cardiff.​

Cardiff (Cardiff Daily) March 16, 2026
Two prominent secondary schools in Cardiff, Llanishen High School and Eastern High School, have been closed today following threats reported to South Wales Police, prompting immediate safety measures in coordination with local authorities. The force confirmed the closures as a precautionary step while enquiries continue into a concerning report received late on Sunday evening. Parents and the community have been urged to remain vigilant as police prioritise pupil welfare amid the unfolding investigation.

What Triggered the Closure of Llanishen High School and Eastern High School?

The incident unfolded when South Wales Police received a report at approximately 8.30pm on Sunday, 15 March 2026, described initially in some coverage as originating from a “live chat making” threats, though full details remain withheld. As reported by ITV News Wales, a statement from South Wales Police read:

“Two Cardiff schools will remain closed on Monday (16 March) following a report made to South Wales Police on Sunday evening. Llanishen High School and Eastern High School will close as a safety precaution whilst investigations are undertaken, following discussion between the police and Cardiff Council.”

This collaborative approach underscores the gravity of the situation, with no pupils or staff reported to be in immediate danger at the time of the announcement.

Superintendent Mark Kavanagh elaborated on the rationale, stating as quoted in WalesOnline:

“We have come to the decision, with support from Cardiff Council, to keep these schools closed on Monday in order to avoid risk, following a report which was made to police on Sunday evening. This report is currently under investigation.”

Similarly, in coverage by Wales247, Superintendent Mark Kavanagh said:

“We have come to the decision, with support from Cardiff Council, to keep these schools closed on Monday in order to avoid risk, following a report which was made to police on Sunday evening. This report is currently under investigation. This decision was not taken lightly but was made with the safety of pupils, staff and the wider school communities in mind.”

These consistent statements across outlets highlight a unified front between police and council to mitigate potential hazards.

Why Did South Wales Police Decide to Close the Schools?

South Wales Police emphasised that the closures were enacted solely as a precautionary measure, not due to any confirmed immediate threat materialising on site. The force has implemented the measures at both Llanishen High School and Eastern High School to ensure the safety of all involved, working closely with Cardiff Council. As detailed in the ITV News report, the police added that it did so

“in conjunction with the city’s council to ensure the safety of pupils,”

and noted the decision was not taken “lightly.”

In parallel reporting by WalesOnline, South Wales Police indicated:

“Llanishen High School and Eastern High will remain shut on Monday following ‘a report made to the police.’ The police force has emphasized that they acted in collaboration with the city council to prioritize the safety of the students.”

Superintendent Mark Kavanagh further remarked in the same piece:

“In partnership with Cardiff Council, we have decided to keep these schools closed on Monday to mitigate any potential risk, following a report received by police on Sunday evening. This report is under investigation. The decision was made with careful consideration, prioritizing the safety of students, staff, and the broader school community.”

Coverage from Hello Rayo, authored by Tom Preece, echoed this, noting:

“Police and Cardiff Council made the decision together, citing the need to protect pupils, staff, and the wider school community.”

What Is the Nature of the Threats Received by Police?

Details surrounding the threats remain limited, with South Wales Police refraining from disclosing the precise content to avoid compromising the ongoing probe. Initial Yahoo News UK coverage referenced “threats made” via a “live chat making…” at around 8.30pm on Sunday, aligning with the timeline provided across reports. The nature of the report has not been revealed publicly, as confirmed in ITV News:

“The nature of the report, which it has not been disclosed, remains under investigation according to police.”​

Wales247 reported:

“South Wales Police confirmed that investigations into the report are ongoing,”

without specifying further. No mentions of weapons, specific individuals, or motives have surfaced in the coverage, distinguishing this from prior unrelated incidents like the 2025 Dafen CP School knife threat hoax in Carmarthenshire, which involved an anonymous online warning and a critical incident declaration but is not connected here. Authorities have maintained a tight lid on specifics to preserve investigative integrity.

Which Schools Are Affected and Where Are They Located?

Llanishen High School and Eastern High School, both secondary schools situated in the Llanishen district of north Cardiff, are the institutions impacted. These schools serve significant numbers of local pupils, making the closure a notable disruption to education in the area. As per WalesOnline,

“Llanishen High School and Eastern High will remain shut on Monday.”

ITV News specified:

“South Wales Police has implemented the measures at Llanishen High School and Eastern High School as ‘a safety precaution.'”

The proximity of the two schools likely facilitated a coordinated response, minimising broader regional impact. No other Cardiff schools have been reported as affected at this stage.

How Has Cardiff Council Responded to the Incident?

Cardiff Council has been instrumental in endorsing the closure, participating in discussions with South Wales Police from the outset. The council’s involvement ensured a balanced assessment prioritising community safety over operational continuity. Superintendent Mark Kavanagh repeatedly credited the council’s support in his statements, as covered by multiple outlets.

In Wales247’s account:

“Llanishen High School and Eastern High School will both shut for the day following discussions between South Wales Police and Cardiff Council.”

This partnership exemplifies standard protocol for such threats, allowing swift action without unilateral decisions. Council representatives have not issued independent statements thus far, deferring to police leads.

What Is the Current Status of the Police Investigation?

As of Monday, 16 March 2026, South Wales Police’s investigation into the report remains active, with no arrests or further developments publicly announced. The force continues to treat the matter with utmost seriousness, focusing on verifying the credibility of the threats. WalesOnline noted:

“The specifics of the report, which prompted this action, have not been revealed and are currently under investigation.”

Superintendent Mark Kavanagh affirmed in ITV News:

“This report is currently under investigation.” Similarly, in Express.co.uk coverage:

“Details regarding the nature of the report have not yet been revealed.”

Police have appealed for public information without specifying channels, urging anyone with details to come forward. Updates are expected as enquiries progress, though no timeline has been provided.

What Should Parents and the Community Do Next?

Parents have been advised to monitor official channels from both schools and South Wales Police for reopening updates, likely contingent on investigation outcomes. The community is encouraged to report any suspicious activity, maintaining calm while supporting the authorities’ efforts. As per Hello Rayo by Tom Preece:

“Llanishen High School and Eastern High School in Cardiff will remain closed today (16th March) as a safety measure following a report made to South Wales Police.”

No widespread alerts beyond the schools have been issued, indicating contained risk assessment. Schools may pivot to remote learning if closures extend, though this has not been confirmed. Residents are reminded that such precautions, while disruptive, safeguard young people effectively.

Are There Similar Past Incidents in Wales?

While this Cardiff case is distinct, it echoes prior school threat responses in Wales, such as the November 2025 Dafen CP School closure in Carmarthenshire due to an online knife threat from an anonymous source, which was later deemed passed with no ongoing probe. Dyfed-Powys Police had declared a critical incident there, involving firearms and dog units, but confirmed the risk subsided. These events highlight recurring challenges with online threats, often hoaxes, prompting robust protocols nationwide.

In the current instance, South Wales Police’s measured response aligns with best practices refined from such precedents. No links have been suggested between cases.