Moment Saudi ex-student, 21, is detained on the ground after 'shooting security guard with crossbow' at Surrey University while injured victim receives medical aid

Published: 23:19, 4 June 2026 | Updated: 23:29, 4 June 2026 A Saudi Arabian former student was arrested on suspicion of murder after a security guard was shot with a crossbow at the University of Surrey. The security guard, in his fifties, is said to be in a 'serious' condition in hospital. The 21-year-old Saudi national, who is reportedly a former student, remains in police custody.  Police rushed to Manor Park Student Village in Guildford, Surrey, at around 10am on Thursday.  Footage seen by the Daily Mail shows the moment a man was arrested by police outside a campus building. He was held down by officers as he lay on the floor next to the victim, who was being given emergency first aid by bystanders.  A crossbow could be seen underneath a bench.  Aaron Essak, who lives adjacent to the scene of the attack, said he woke up and heard the commotion. 'I got down and I saw the security guard was in some distress,' he said. Pictured: The moment officers arrested a suspect after a crossbow attack in Surrey A crossbow was seen underneath a bench outside the Surrey University campus building  He said he carried out first aid on the security guard as others restrained the suspected assailant. 'I saw the arrow and then I saw the wound, so I put my hand on the wound and got a bandage from one of the bandage bags.' He added: 'I just really hope the security guard is alright. It’s definitely not the sort of thing you expect to wake up to.' Mehmet Yerlikaye, who runs a food stall on the campus grounds, said he was first alerted to the police helicopter flying over this morning. He said: 'It was all really dramatic. The helicopter came overhead. There were police everywhere. 'It's shocking. The students I have spoken to are really upset. 'I've lived around here for 30 years and worked here for years and there's never been any trouble.' Detectives are appealing for any witnesses to contact the police.  The university's campus safety team carries out regular patrols of the Manor Park campus to keep students and staff safe, according to its website.  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.  Emergency services were called to reports of someone having been shot with the weapon at the Manor Park Student Village in Guildford at 10am this morning, Surrey Police said '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.' A spokesperson for the University of Surrey said: 'At approximately 9.50 am this morning, an incident took place on our Manor Park campus.  'Police attended and a man was arrested. A member of our campus safety team was seriously injured and is receiving medical care.  'The police are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident. Surrey Police are leading the investigation and we are giving them our full support.' Witnesses or anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police quoting reference PR/45260065706, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.