College heroes ‘tackle suspect’
Police have praised the actions of two members of staff at Crawley College for their brave actions amid a firearms incident on Monday.
Two Crawley College staff ‘tackled an armed suspect’ during a major incident at the site, police have said. Dozens of armed police including counter terrorism officers descended on the college after shots were fired at the College Road site on Monday afternoon.
Chief Inspector Shane Baker, of the Crawley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “I’d personally like to thank everyone who helped to quickly bring this incident to a safe conclusion, especially the two members of college staff whose heroics have not gone unnoticed. They put themselves in harm’s way in order to protect their students, fellow employees and the wider public, and I am hugely grateful for their quickthinking actions.”
Police said during the incident blank shots were fired – which did not hurt anyone – but the two staff members suffered minor injuries not caused by gunshots.
Police were called to the scene at 3.10pm and within minutes dozens of police vehicles including the helicopter were on the scene.
Officers found a suspect detained by two college employees; a teacher and a member of support staff.
A police spokesman said: “Pupils and staff were evacuated to a safe space while police carried out a search of the buildings, assisted by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal. West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and South East Coast Ambulance were also in attendance. Nothing suspicious was found.”
CI Baker added: “We are treating this as an isolated incident which was not terror-related, and while we are not seeking anyone else in connection with it, we will continue to provide a high visibility police presence in the area for community reassurance. We are also working with the college and the local authority to manage the welfare and wellbeing of those involved – including students – who will have been understandably shocked by this experience.”
In a statement, Crawley College Principal Vicki Illingworth said the college community was ‘shaken’ but praised the ‘courage, resiliance and support’ shown by staff. She confirmed two members of staff suffered minor injuries.
“Their heroic actions – and the rapid response of emergency services – helped to protect our college community. They are both at home, resting, and we ask members of the media to respect their privacy at this time.”
Parents and students have spoken about aftermath of the experience.
Willow Power, 16, from Horsham, said: “Some people are anxious about going back to college but I’m not. It was unexpected, but this sort of thing doesn’t really happen in this country. I still feel safe.”
Sandijs Dreimanis, 18, of Barton Walk in Crawley, has been charged with possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and possession of a bladed article on a school premises, police said yesterday (Wednesday).