University campus 'in shock' after crossbow attack

Students in Guildford say they have been left "very shaken" after a member of staff at the University of Surrey was shot with a crossbow on campus.

Surrey Police said officers were called to reports of a man in his 50s being shot with the weapon at Manor Park Student Village at about 10:00 BST on Thursday.

A former student at the university was arrested and remains in custody, whilst the university said a member of its safety team had been "seriously injured".

Alan Jomy, an economics and data analytics student, told BBC Radio Surrey the campus was "in shock".

Mia Lamb, a student midwife, said: "We saw commotion outside our window.

"You don't really expect to see this on a university campus.

"It's just awful to hear."

Liv Harvey, paramedic science student, said her thoughts were with the injured security guard.

She said: "I didn't really know what was going on. And the police were knocking on everyone's doors.

"We're all very shaken. It's a very close community here."

Kylie Vergara, a business management student, said: "It all feels quite surreal, not something you expect to be happening around you.

"When you're on campus you normally feel safe. It is just weird."

Surrey Police said it was not treating it as a terror-related incident.

The force said on Thursday afternoon that six police community support officers were in the campus area for reassurance.

The South East Coast Ambulance Service said ambulance crews, including a critical care paramedic, attended the scene.

A spokesperson said the victim was airlifted to a London hospital for further medical treatment.

The University of Surrey said it was giving police its "full support" and the campus was open and operational.

The victim's next of kin had been informed and were being supported by officers, said Surrey Police.

The force has urged witnesses or anyone with information which could help their investigation to come forward.

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