Oval cricket match between Surrey and Middlesex suspended after 'crossbow bolt' fired onto pitch
Fans were advised to find cover for their own safety as police investigate the incident
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A cricket match was abandoned and armed police were called after an arrow launched from outside the ground landed on the field.
The metal-tipped arrow landed on the Oval playing surface, near the players and umpires, during the clash between Surrey and Middlesex.
Fans were urged to take cover and move inside after the incident, and the fixture was eventually abandoned as a draw.
The projectile, which is now in the possession of the Metropolitan Police, landed near Surrey fielder Ollie Pope and is thought to have been fired into the ground from outside the boundary walls.
Middlesex batsman Nick Compton immediately pointed towards the upper parts of the OCS Stand, suggesting that the arrow had come from that direction.
The Independent understands multiple arrows were found during the investigation.
Surrey’s Stuart Meaker tweeted: “we have just officially gone off the field because a metal tipped arrow just landed on the pitch.”
One source, who insisted there was no way this could be an accident, suggested that the projectile appeared to have been fired from a crossbow.
Surrey County Cricket Club and the police are investigating the incident, with armed police now on the scene. A statement said: "Police were made aware at 4.35pm of reports that an arrow or crossbow bolt had been loosed into the Oval Cricket ground.
"There are no reported injuries. At this early stage it is believed that the object came from outside of the ground.There have been no arrests. We retain an open mind as to motive. Enquiries continue.”
BBC Radio London's Mark Church, who was commentating on the match, said: "I have never known anything like this at a cricket match. This is a major incident now. It's an extraordinary scene. All the seats are empty and everyone is indoors.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments