Full Breakdown
Crossbow Attack at University of Surrey’s Manor Park Student Village Leads to Attempted-Murder Charge
6/6/2026, 12:45:15 AM
Incident Overview
On the morning of 4 June 2026, a 21-year-old former student, Almunthir Daqamah, shot campus safety officer Robert Tytler, a man in his 50s, with a crossbow at the University of Surrey’s Manor Park Student Village in Guildford. Police arrived at about 10 a.m., found the suspect in possession of a “zombie-style” knife, a lock-knife and a quantity of marijuana. Tytler was taken to Royal Surrey County Hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.
Key Figures & Groups
- Almunthir Daqamah – 21-year-old Saudi national, former University of Surrey student, now in custody.
- Robert Tytler – Campus safety officer, the injured victim.
- Chief Superintendent Jon Groenen – Lead spokesperson for Surrey Police.
- University of Surrey spokesperson – Provides institutional response and support.
- Student witnesses – Including Hiya Biswas (19), Eliza Eaton (19) and unnamed students who described the lockdown.
Timeline
- 09:50 – 10:00 am (4 June) – Crossbow shots fired; two bolts strike Tytler.
- Shortly after – Police detain Daqamah at the scene; emergency services transport Tytler to hospital.
- Morning – Students lock themselves in rooms; campus security remains operational.
- Friday (5 June) – Daqamah appears at Guildford Magistrates’ Court, pleads not guilty, is remanded in custody.
- 9 July – Scheduled appearance at Guildford Crown Court.
Legal Charges & Evidence
- Attempted murder of a campus safety officer.
- Possession of an offensive weapon (crossbow).
- Two counts of possession of a bladed article (zombie-style knife, lock-knife).
- Possession of Class B drugs (marijuana).
- Police reports confirm the crossbow was “automatic” and that three shots were fired.
Official Statements & Responses
Surrey Police emphasized that the incident is “concerning” for both the university and local residents, and that officers are working “at pace to establish the full circumstances.” The force stressed there is “nothing to suggest this incident is terror-related” and that no further suspects are being sought. The University of Surrey expressed relief that Tytler is stable, thanked the campus safety team for their “professionalism and courage,” and pledged ongoing support to the victim’s family.
Student Reactions & Concerns
Students described the event as “terrifying” and “shocking,” with many feeling “very shaken” and confined to their rooms during the lockdown. Several voiced unease about campus security and the unexpected presence of a crossbow on university grounds.
On-the-Ground Reports
Eyewitnesses reported the suspect acting erratically and firing three bolts, two of which struck the guard. Other students restrained the attacker until police arrived. The sudden lockdown prompted statements such as, “I had no idea what was going on, it was really frightening.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Victim condition: Early police statements described Tytler as “seriously injured,” while later updates consistently noted a “stable condition.”
- Number of shots: Some accounts cite three bolts fired, whereas initial reports mentioned two.
- Suspect’s residence history: Authorities are still investigating how long Daqamah had been staying in the UK.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There is nothing to suggest this incident is terror-related and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with it.” — Jon Groenen, Surrey Police
- “We know how concerning this incident is, both for the University community and for local residents here in Guildford, and our officers are working at pace to establish the full circumstances of what occurred.” — Jon Groenen, Surrey Police
- “We wish him a full and speedy recovery.” — University of Surrey spokesperson
- “They responded with professionalism and courage to this incident, and their commitment to keeping this community safe is something we are deeply proud of.” — University of Surrey spokesperson
- “thankfully and miraculously missed all his organs and bowel” — Prosecutor Lucy Lumsden
- “I had no idea what was going on, it was really frightening,” — Unnamed student, Guildford
What’s Next
Daqamah will face trial at Guildford Crown Court in July, where the full charge sheet will be examined. The university has announced a review of campus security protocols, and Surrey Police continue to appeal for information to clarify the circumstances of the attack.
