Crime04 June, 20262 min read
Saudi National Arrested After Crossbow Attack at University of Surrey Manor Park Student Village
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21-year-old Saudi national, former University of Surrey student, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Victim is a campus safety staff member seriously injured and taken to hospital.
Crossbow attack at Surrey
A 21-year-old Saudi national, described as a former student, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a man in his 50s was shot with a crossbow at the University of Surrey’s Manor Park Student Village in Guildford. Surrey Police said officers were called at around 10am on Thursday, and the University of Surrey said the incident took place at around 9.50am on the university accommodation site.
“A 21-year-old Saudi national, who was a former student at the university, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.”
The victim, who was a member of the university’s campus safety team, was taken to hospital and was in a serious condition, while a significant emergency services presence remained at the scene. Chief Superintendent Jon Groenen said the suspect was detained at the scene shortly after the incident and that an investigation was under way to establish the circumstances of the assault.
Police reassurance and witness
Groenen told reporters, "I appreciate that this incident will cause concern amongst our local communities, and I can reassure that we are not looking for anyone else in relation to this incident," as Surrey Police said the investigation was progressing. The University of Surrey said a member of its campus safety team had been "seriously injured" and that it was giving police its "full support," while the campus remained open and operational.
Law student Oliver Simon, who told BBC Radio Surrey he helped restrain the suspect after staff asked him and his friend for assistance, said, "We just wanted to help straight away." BBC Radio Surrey also quoted student nurse Theresa, who said she tended to the wounded man and described something "like a metal arrow" that was "literally in his abdomen."
Investigation and next steps
Surrey Police said the victim’s next of kin had been informed and were being supported by officers, while the force urged witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. BBC reported that ambulance crews, including a critical care paramedic, attended the scene and that the victim was airlifted to a London hospital for further medical treatment.
“Officers have said they are not treating it as a terror-related incident.”
The BBC also said officers were not treating the incident as a terror-related incident, even as Groenen said, "An investigation is now under way to establish the circumstances of the assault." The Sunday Guardian said the incident prompted a major police investigation, and authorities assured the public that no other suspects were being sought while the suspect remained in police custody.