Surrey Police cordoned off the Student Union shop and the surrounding area in the early hours of this morning between 2.30am and 4:30am. A spokesman for South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed that they responded to reports of an assault.
Surrey Police have confirmed that the man was not a student at Royal Holloway. They believe he knew his attackers, but it is unclear why he was on the university campus. There is speculation that the stabbing occurred on campus but this has not yet been confirmed.
The SU shop is now open as normal. Surrey Police have released the following statement:
“In the early hours of this morning (13 December) Surrey police were called to disorder at Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham. We responded quickly and, working in partnership with the university security team, quickly bought the situation under control.
We later received a call from the BP petrol station on Egham Hill, from a man who had received a stab injury to the buttocks. The man has been taken to hospital where his injuries are not thought to be life threatening. Officers currently believe that the victim, who is not a student at the university, knew his attackers.
Surrey Police are working closely with Royal Holloway in the investigation of the disorder, and how the man came to receive his injuries. There is an enhanced police and security presence across the campus today in order to reassure students and staff, and to gather intelligence and evidence. There is a police cordon outside the university shop while the scene is searched.
Neighbourhood Commander Nick Pinkerton said: “I want to reassure students, staff and the public that this was a very unusual incident and my officers are working hard to secure CCTV and other evidence, with support from Royal Holloway, to find and arrest the individuals responsible.
“If you saw or heard anything that you think could help our investigation, or if you have footage or photos from the altercation outside the library and shop area, please contact police urgently – either by calling 101, or speaking to an officer in person. I am aware that the students will be heading home for Christmas shortly, and I would like to speak to any students who can help our investigation before they leave.”
We contacted the Royal Holloway Press Office and a spokesperson for Royal Holloway, University of London, said:
“We are aware there was an incident on campus in the early hours of this morning, 13 December and our security team are working closely with Surrey Police, who are investigating.
The small area previously cordoned off, has now been re-opened. We understand the incident may be concerning to members of our community and we would like to assure people that incidents on our campus are rare and we are one of the safest university campuses in the UK.”
We would like to reiterate what Surrey Police have said and urge anyone who may have witnessed the disturbance to come forward with any information.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference PR/45180132338.
The Orbital will continue to update our article as and when we receive new information.