Man shot with crossbow on university campus

A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a member of staff at the University of Surrey was shot with a crossbow.

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

A former student at the university has been arrested and is in custody, according to police.

The University of Surrey said a member of its campus safety team had been "seriously injured".

Officers have said they are not treating it as a terror-related incident.

Surrey Police said the victim was taken to hospital, where he remained in a "serious condition".

A "significant emergency services presence" had been on the scene, the force added.

It later told the BBC that six police community support officers were in the campus area for reassurance.

Ch Supt Jon Groenen said the suspect was detained at the scene shortly after the incident.

"An investigation is now under way to establish the circumstances of the assault," he added.

"I appreciate that this incident will cause concern amongst our local communities.

"We are working closely with the university as our investigation progresses."

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 that 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 urged witnesses or anyone with information that could help their investigation to come forward.

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