09 Oct 2023
Two students were injured following a knife attack in the vicinity of Oaklands College’s Smallford campus.
Police and paramedics were called to the Hatfield Road site on Monday afternoon at around 3.40pm, backed up by the police helicopter and air ambulance.
Oaklands College said the incident took place outside the campus outside Oaklands Stores but students were released early from their classes and told to go home.
A statement from the college released earlier said: “We are aware of an incident that has occurred outside our St Albans campus today. Please be assured that we are supporting our students and college community in this matter.”
Parents and students expressed their shock on the college’s Facebook page.
Frances McHugh said: “My daughter has said that some are regularly bringing weapons in, is the college safe? Where’s the imaginary safeguarding team?”
Andrew Powell commented: “This is absolutely shocking news. I actually can’t believe this has happened. Thoughts to all involved. What’s wrong with the world?”
Charmaine Sewell added: “What are Oaklands going to put in place to keep students safe? This is really worrying.”
Rachel Cane said: “Not the first time this has happened. Last week my daughter’s friend was threatened with a knife!”
Herts police confirmed that two people were injured with suspected stab wounds, but say their enquiries are ongoing.
An updated statement released by the college on Monday evening stated: “We can confirm that there was a serious incident which happened near the college today, Monday 9 October. We are also aware of images circulating on social media of the emergency services on our campus. We can confirm our college site was used as a central space for the emergency services. We take the safety and security of our students and our staff extremely seriously. It is our number one priority to ensure that the college community is a completely safe place for learning and we will be increasing security presence tomorrow for reassurance. We are working closely with the police who are investigating the incident. The college will be open as usual tomorrow, Tuesday 10th October 2023.”
