Two injured and one detained after reports of 'shots fired' near Crawley College
Video report by ITV Meridian's Malcolm Shaw
Police are continuing their investigation after responding to reports of gun shots being fired at a college in College Road, Crawley, on Monday (26 April).
Two people have been injured and a man has been detained, Sussex Police have said.
The force said it received multiple calls shortly after 3.10pm on Monday (26 April) to reports of gun shots being fired at a college in College Road, Crawley.An 18-year-old man from Crawley was detained ten minutes later and police say a firearm and a knife were seized.
Two college members of staff have are being treated for minor injuries, but these are not gunshot wounds, police said.
A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “Two college staff members were treated for minor injuries. These were not gunshot wounds.
“Pupils and staff were evacuated to a safe space while police carried out a search of the buildings.”
Sussex Police said it is working with officers from Counter Terrorism Policing South East but "all lines of enquiry are open."
Bradley O'Brien, a student at the college, described how he heard first became aware of the shooting.
"I heard a few gun shots go off and, as I've looked past the window I see a lot of people gathering up and like running, and like the college was on lockdown," he said.
"People's mums starting calling them, making sure they were okay, and a couple of the students did in fact get up and leave while the college was on lockdown."
A student from the college praised his teacher for keeping his class calm after he heard gunshots during the incident on Monday afternoon.
James, who did not wish to share his second name, was on the sixth floor of the building.
“I was doing my work at the time then suddenly heard some gunshots from the very bottom of the tower,” the 19-year-old said.
James said police arrived just a few minutes later and although the experience was scary he “felt calm and safe” thanks to his teacher and the fast police response.
“It’s a really new experience and felt really scary due to there being a gun around where I’m doing my college work,” he said
“The teacher, he barricaded the room’s door just in case and I have a lot of trust in him, since we were far up the tower I felt safer too.”
Chief Superintendent Howard Hodges added: "We continue to have a large policing presence in Crawley and are 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. No one else has presented themselves to use with injuries but if you need medical assistance please contact the ambulance service or speak to an officer."We are liaising with officers at Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE). All lines of enquiry are open at this stage."Roads in the vicinity of the college have been closed and we continue to ask members of the public to stay away from the area at this time."
Report information by calling 101 or report online quoting Operation Reset"
The force says there is a heavy police presence in the area and is asking people to avoid the area.
The A2004 College Road has been closed both ways closed due to the incident between A2220 Station Way and The Boulevard.
Crawley College will be closed on Tuesday 27 April whilst staff continue to support police with their enquires.