ENQUIRIES into a crossbow bolt landing on the Oval field during Surrey’s County Championship clash with Middlesex remain ongoing, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed.
Middlesex batsmen John Simpson and Nick Compton and Surrey’s fielders were ushered inside by the umpires following the incident while the 1,068 spectators were urged to take cover before armed police carried out a ‘’controlled evacuation’’.
The incident is not being treated as terrorism-related and the Met Police are continuing their investigation, urging anyone with footage of the incident to contact them.
Officers and an armed police response team arrived within 15 minutes and a full search of the ground was carried out by police and around 30 security staff.
A statement issued by the Met Police yesterday morning said no arrests had yet been made.
“Detectives from Lambeth are appealing for anyone with footage of the moments up to and including the loose of a crossbow bolt at the Oval to come forward,” it read. “Police were made aware at 16:35hrs on Thursday, 31 August, of reports that a crossbow bolt had been loosed into the Oval Cricket Ground.
Detective Constable Dominic Landragin of Lambeth CID said: “There were significant crowds watching the match and it is likely that a number of those present will have footage of the incident that could assist in our investigation.
“Although nobody was injured, this was a reckless action taken with no regard for the safety and well-being of the spectators or the players. It is important that we trace those responsible and I urge anyone who has footage of the incident to get in touch as soon as possible.
“As a result of the incident the match being played was suspended and the ground evacuated. There were no reported injuries.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here