Brunel University of London says it is supporting ‘distressed’ students following a stabbing earlier this week. A man was knifed outside Fleming Hall, an accommodation block on the Uxbridge campus, on the evening of Wednesday, May 21.
He remains in hospital with multiple injuries but is is in a non-critical condition, according to the Metropolitan Police. The university confirmed an ‘incident’ the same night in a now-deleted statement but many students felt left in the dark, taking to social media to complain about a lack of communication.
Brunel University has rebuked these claims, saying the safety and wellbeing of it’s student body remains it’s ‘highest priority’. A statement issued to MyLondon states the institution is encouraging upset witnesses to contact the security and welfare teams.
It continues: “Incidents such as this remain very rare. Our Security Team, which runs a 24/7 service from the heart of our campus, is highly trained to provide a high standard of response.
“We are mindful of this incident’s impact, which is why we set up an on-campus information room promptly, to support those who had questions or required assistance. We advertised this on our social media channels and on the student intranet, BruNet.
“And we understand that there were witnesses who may be distressed. They, and anyone else affected, can contact our Security Team or Student Support and Welfare Team for support, which we encouraged through BruNet. The Student Centre and Meeting House are both open, too.”
Security was stepped up immediately after the stabbing, with the team making additional patrols overnight. Staff were also said to be ‘working closely’ with police whilst enquiries were made.
What is being offered to students
Posting online, The Union of Brunel Students said it is ‘saddened’ by the on-campus incident and is working with the West London university to ensure the campus is safe. It is also encouraging students to apply for extenuating circumstances if they feel their assessments have been impacted by the stabbing.
A statement reads: “We are really saddened to hear about the recent incident that took place on campus. Our thoughts are with the individual affected, their loved ones, and everyone in our university community who may be feeling unsettled or concerned.
“The Union of Brunel Students is here to support all students during this time. We are working closely with the university and its services to ensure that safety measures are in place and that mental health and counselling support are available to anyone who needs it.”
The Metropolitan Police believes the daylight stabbing was an isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider community. Anyone with relevant information is urged to call 101, stating CAD7269/21MAY. Anonymous reports can also be made to Crimestoppers via 0800 111 555.
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