Crawley College incident: Police say situation ‘not being treated as a terrorist incident’

The college will be closed today as police continued their investigation into the incident.

Officers were called to reports of gun shots being fired at the college in College Road at around 3.10pm.

Armed police were swiftly on scene and an 18-year-old man from Crawley was detained in College Road at 3.20pm.

He remains in custody at this time.

A firearm and a knife were seized.

Two staff members were treated for minor injuries.

Police said these were not gunshot wounds and officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

It is not being treated as a terrorist incident, police confirmed.

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, Crawley, in connection with the incident.

Chief Superintendent Howard Hodges 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.

Report information by calling 101 or report online quoting Operation Reset.