Man shot with crossbow on UK university campus

BREAKING

The shooting has led to the arrest of a 21-year old man on suspicion of attempted murder.

Police officers were called to reports of a man in his 50s being shot at 10:00 BST this morning (Thursday 3 June) by a crossbow.

Emergency services attended the scene at Manor Park Student Village, Guildford, which is part of the University of Surrey.

This led to police arresting a former student who is in custody, as per police.

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

Police said that the victim has been taken to hospital and that a "significant emergency services presence" remained in place.

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

The University of Surrey campus in Guildford. Credit: Adobe Stock.

Chief Superintendent Jon Groenen said: “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. We are working closely with the university as our investigation progresses.

“The suspect was detained at the scene shortly after the incident and an investigation is now underway to establish the circumstances of the assault.”

He continued: “The victim remains in a serious condition in hospital and his next of kin are aware and are being supported by officers.”

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

Crossbows: A recurring issue in the UK

While not an everyday occurrence, there have been a number of high-profile crossbow attacks in the UK in recent years.

Most notably in 2024 in Hertfordshire when the wife and two daughters of BBC racing commentator John Hunt were murdered in a targeted attack with a crossbow one of the weapons used.

Meanwhile, in 2021, an intruder carrying a loaded crossbow was arrested on the grounds of Windsor Castle after stating his intention to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II.

He later pleaded guilty to treason and was jailed.

What laws are in place around owning a crossbow in the UK?

While traditionally associated with medieval times, crossbows have historically been readily available in the UK with little restriction, leading to the government taking note of recent.

In the past, crossbows with a draw weight over 1.4kg (3lb) have been legal to purchase and own for any adult without needing background checks or a firearm certificate.

However, recent legal updates have introduced tighter restrictions on how they can be acquired with an '18 years or older age limit' to purchase or posses a crossbow as well as strict two-step age and identity verification for delivery.

It is illegal to carry a crossbow in public without legal authority or reasonable excuse.

A government report from 2024 details the response in a call for evidence paper called 'Controls on the use of crossbows on public safety grounds’.

Sweeping reforms are set to be introduced which will enforce all crossbows to be registered with their owner as well as be issued a license via a suitability check - similar to firearm rules.

The general sale of crossbows is being prohibited, effectively stopping new commercial supplies