Sussex Police have confirmed they are not searching for a second suspect after reports of gunfire at Crawley College on Monday afternoon.
Just after 3.10pm, emergency services responded to multiple calls about shots fired on College Road. Armed officers quickly arrived at the scene and arrested an 18-year-old local man within minutes. He was detained by 3.20pm and remains in custody.
Police recovered a firearm and a knife at the scene. Two college staff members were treated for minor injuries; however, these were not gunshot wounds. Authorities have emphasized that the incident is not being treated as terrorism.
Students and staff were promptly evacuated to a safe zone while officers, supported by Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts, conducted thorough searches of the buildings. Emergency units from East Sussex 1 and SECAmb also attended the scene.
A follow-up search at a Crawley address in Barton Walk found no additional evidence or suspects. Roads around the college, which were closed during the incident, have now reopened.
Crawley College will remain closed to students on Tuesday as police continue their enquiries under Operation Reset.
Chief Superintendent Howard Hodges said, “We continue to have a policing presence in Crawley and are speaking to witnesses. We urge anyone with information to come forward. Thanks to those who helped detain the suspect before police arrived, and to all students, staff and the public for their cooperation.”
If you have any information, please call 101 or report online quoting Operation Reset.
Originally published by UKNIP.
