Crawley College gun incident 'not being treated as terrorism'
An 18-year-old remains in custody after two people were injured on Monday (April 26th).
Last updated 27th Apr 2021
Police have confirmed that they are not treating an incident where gun shots were fired at Crawley College as terrorism.
An 18-year-old man from the town remained in custody as of Tuesday morning (April 27th), following the incident, which saw armed police called to College Road at around 3.10pm on Monday.
A firearm and a knife were seized.
Two staff members were treated for minor injuries. These were not gunshot wounds and police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
Pupils and staff were evacuated to a safe space while police carried out a search of the buildings assisted by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal. East Sussex Fire and Rescue and SECAmb were also in attendance.
Nothing suspicious was found.
Officers also conducted a search at an address in Barton Walk in Crawley, in connection with the incident.
Crawley College has announced it will be closed to students on Tuesday while police enquiries continue.
Chief Superintendent Howard Hodges, West Sussex Divisonal Commander for Sussex Police, added:
“We continue to have a policing presence in Crawley and are speaking to witnesses. We are still appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
"Two staff members at the College suffered minor injuries and presented themselves to a walk-in medical centre. I want to thank those who helped apprehend the suspect before officers arrived and all the students, staff and public for their co-operation today."
Roads in the vicinity of the college which were closed during the incident have now re-opened.
Anyone with information is asked to report it by calling 101 or online quoting Operation Reset.