Former student charged with attempted murder after University of Surrey staff member shot with crossbow

A former university student has appeared in court, charged with attempted murder after a staff member was shot in the stomach with a crossbow.

Almunthir Daqamah allegedly carried out Thursday morning's shooting after he was asked to vacate the University of Surrey's student accommodation, the prosecution said.

The 21-year-old Saudi national has been charged with attempted murder, possession of an offensive weapon, two counts of possession of a bladed article and possession of class B drugs.

Daqamah, who used to study at the university, appeared at Guildford Magistrates' Court on Friday morning, and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and address.

Officers were called to the scene at the university's Manor Park Student Village in Guildford at around 10am on Thursday following reports of a man being shot with a crossbow.

A man in his 50s, who is a member of the university's campus safety team, was seriously injured in the shooting.

The safety officer is currently in a stable condition in hospital and officers are providing support to his family.

Daqamah allegedly shot the man in the stomach with a single crossbow bolt, prosecutor Lucy Lumsden said.

The prosecutor added the bolt "thankfully and miraculously missed all his organs and bowel".

Police do not believe the attack was terror-related and are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

The university has said the campus is fully open and operational.

Chief Superintendent Jon Groenen said: "We know how concerning this incident is, both for the university community and for local residents here in Guildford, and our officers are working at pace to establish the full circumstances of what occurred.

"There is nothing to suggest this incident is terror-related and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with it."

He appealed for anyone with information about the incident to contact Surrey Police.

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A University of Surrey spokesperson said: "We have been informed that our colleague is now in a stable condition and our entire community is relieved to hear this news. We wish him a full and speedy recovery.

"We also want to take this opportunity to thank our campus safety team.

"They responded with professionalism and courage to this incident, and their commitment to keeping this community safe is something we are deeply proud of. Our thoughts are with all of them."

Located in the west of Guildford, Manor Park is home to flats housing between three and nine students.

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