UPDATE: 12.32am

A spokesperson for Caerphilly council and the school said, "This was obviously an unfortunate accident and we gather that Gwent Police are undertaking their own investigation.

Our main priority was the health and welfare of the children and swift steps were taken to ensure the pupils were removed from the classroom. Appropriate support was provided, and thankfully there were no serious injuries."

UPDATE: 11.56am

The mother of one of the eight pupils who were accidently hit by pepper spray at Bargoed Primary School during a classroom demonstration by Gwent Police has said the incident has been blown out of proportion.

Eight pupils, between the ages of four and five, at Ysgol Gymraeg Gilfach Fargoed were being shown how PAVA spray is used by police when the incident occurred. The mother of one of the pupils said the incident was a genuine accident.

She said: “The police dealt with the issue very quickly and comforted the children. The inspector apologised and it was a genuine accident with the wrong canister, which the officer thought was filled with water. It has been blown out of proportion.

“The school phoned each of the pupil’s parents. Of course, my daughter was upset but she accepted the police’s apology and decided to stay in school after the incident. She accepted the apology, so everyone else should. My daughter was absolutely fine and was able to go to see the fireworks display later that evening.

“We’re all human and it was not as bad as it was made out to be. I’ve spoken to some of the other parents whose children were affected and they’re fine. The kids are happy and that’s what matters.”

 

EIGHT pupils at a Bargoed primary school were accidentally hit by pepper spray during a classroom demonstration by Gwent Police.

The four and five-year-olds at Ysgol Gymraeg Gilfach Fargoed were being shown how PAVA spray is used by police when the incident happened.

A Gwent Police spokesman said a schools liaison officer had accidentally picked up genuine PAVA spray instead of the mock version they usually use in schools.

A spokesman said: “On Wednesday November 5, a Gwent Schools Liaison Officer was delivering a lesson to pupils at Ysgol Gymraeg Gilfach Fargoed.

“As part of the lesson, equipment that police officers use is demonstrated.

“This includes a mock PAVA spray, which is usually filled with water, genuine PAVA sprays are not taken into schools.

“On this occasion a genuine PAVA spray was picked up in error, therefore, whilst undertaking the lesson and demonstrating the equipment, the spray was discharged in the classroom.

“This resulted in 8 pupils (age 4/5) being affected by the PAVA spray.

“The pupils were cared for by school staff, and their parents were informed. Parents were contacted by a senior officer to explain what happened, discuss any concerns and offer our sincere apologies.

“Medical treatment wasn’t required on the day, however, parents were advised to seek medical attention if they had any concerns.

“Further enquiries into the error are now being undertaken, and a result of the incident School Liaison Officers will no longer be taking any demonstration (mock) PAVA spray into schools."