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A 10-year-old girl who fell down a flight of concrete steps outside her school had to wait nearly four hours in the rain for an ambulance to show up, her family claims.

Angel Marie Flynn, a pupil at Greenway Primary School in Rumney , Cardiff, badly hurt her face and leg when she took a tumble near the reception area.

A teacher at the school called 999 where it is alleged a member of the ambulance control room told the girl not to move until paramedics could arrive.

But Angel Marie’s family said she ended up waiting almost four hours in dark, wet, and cold conditions before she was eventually taken to the University Hospital of Wales (UHW).

(Image: UGC)

“I think it’s diabolical and utterly disgusting,” said her father, Patrick Flynn, 45.

“It was pouring down and everyone was soaked to the bone. I was afraid my daughter was going to catch pneumonia.”

Angel Marie, who was described by her dad as a “happy-go-lucky little girl”, was given pillows, cushions and blankets by school staff in a bid to keep her warm.

Patrick said local police community support officers (PSCOs) also called the ambulance service to try and get an update on their whereabouts.

“She told us she couldn’t feel her left leg or her back,” said the dad-of-seven.

“It was so upsetting that I couldn’t even look at her.”

It is understood Angel Marie, who fell at around 4pm, was eventually put into an ambulance and taken to UHW at around 7.45pm.

Headteacher Nic Naish, who came to Angel Marie’s aid, said: “One of our pupils was hurt after falling on some steps outside the school’s reception soon after 4pm on Tuesday.

“First aid was administered and an ambulance was called.

“We were advised by the Welsh Ambulance Service not to move the injured pupil, and we kept them as warm and as comfortable as possible until the ambulance arrived later that evening.

“We all wish the young pupil a speedy recovery, and I want to thank the staff and our school community for their help and support.”

Angel Marie suffered minor injuries and bruising to her face and leg and was discharged from the hospital the same night. She is now recovering at home.

Judith White, area manager at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “We’re very sorry for what would have been a clearly difficult and distressing time for Angel Marie.

“Tuesday was an extremely busy day for the unscheduled care system across Wales; the Welsh Ambulance Service took almost 500 999 calls while this incident was ongoing, and demand was 29% above our predicted average in south east Wales.

“As a result this meant that some patients, including Angel Marie, waited longer than they should have for help and this is absolutely not the service we want to provide.

“We’ve spoken directly to Mr Flynn to extend an apology, and are now investigating further into this.

“We are very glad to hear that Angel Marie was discharged from hospital later that evening and hope that she continues to make a good recovery.”