Full Breakdown
Crossbow Attack Injuries Campus Safety Officer at University of Surrey
6/5/2026, 9:03:23 AM
Crossbow Attack on Campus Safety Officer
On Thursday morning at approximately 10:00 BST, Surrey Police responded to Manor Park Student Village on the University of Surrey campus in Guildford after a man in his 50s was shot with a crossbow. The victim, a member of the university’s campus safety team, suffered a serious abdominal wound described by a student nurse as “a metal arrow” lodged in his abdomen and was air-lifted to a London hospital for further treatment. Police arrested a 21-year-old former student of the university, identified as a Saudi national, on suspicion of attempted murder. The suspect was detained at the scene, and six police community support officers were deployed to reassure students while the campus remained open.
Official Statements from Police, University and Ambulance Service
Chief Superintendent Jon Groenen said the incident would cause concern among local communities and reassured the public that no further suspects were being sought. He highlighted close cooperation with the university and confirmed that an investigation was under way to establish the circumstances of the assault. The University of Surrey confirmed the attack occurred at about 9.50 am, that the injured staff member was seriously hurt, and that the institution was fully supporting the police investigation while keeping the campus operational. The South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed the victim’s air-lift and the presence of a critical-care paramedic on scene.
Student and Nurse Accounts
Law student Oliver Simon helped restrain the suspect for ten to fifteen minutes after staff asked for assistance, describing the scene as frightening. Student nurse Theresa attended the victim, noting the “metal arrow” injury and describing the environment as a “very high-pressure situation” with emotions running high.
Implications for Campus Safety
The attack raised immediate safety concerns on a university campus, prompting a substantial emergency response and heightened police visibility. Authorities classified the incident as non-terror-related, focusing investigative resources on the suspect’s motives and the circumstances of the assault.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm not trying to sound like the hero or something because I'm not,” — Oliver Simon, law student, University of Surrey
- “We just wanted to help straight away.” — Oliver Simon, law student, University of Surrey
- “It was a very high-pressure situation,” — Theresa, student nurse, University of Surrey
- “Emotions were all over the place.” — Theresa, student nurse, University of Surrey
Next Steps in the Investigation
Surrey Police continue to investigate the attempted-murder charge and have urged anyone with information to contact them via reference PR/45260065706, the non-emergency 101 line, or Crimestoppers. No further arrests have been announced.
