Students left concerned after 20-year-old man suffers '˜serious injuries'

A 21-year-old man from London has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the incident which took place just before midnight on Saturday in Middle Street.

The 20-year-old man, who was from Birmingham, was taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital by the South Central Ambulance Service after officers on the scene carried out ‘vital’ first aid.

His condition was described yesterday as ‘serious but stable.’

The 21-year-old man remains in custody.

University of Portsmouth student James Greenaway said: ‘It is really worrying and concerning.

‘Now I probably won’t walk back down that way and instead take the main road.’

The 20-year-old added: ‘It is definitely a worry – especially as only last week a teenager died because of serious injuries in this area as well.’

A number of roads including Middle Street and Eldon Street and a car park near the University of Portsmouth were cordoned off with police tape yesterday as officers carried out investigations.

The alleyway from Bedford Street down to Peel Place was also closed with students advised to use Melbourne Place and St Vincent Street to access university buildings.

A police spokesperson said: ‘Throughout the night we have been carrying out extensive enquiries in the area to establish what happened.

‘Teams from across the area have been working at several different locations as part of our investigation.’

Helder Araujo is also a student at the city’s university.

He said: ‘I am surprised as I would not expect something like that to happen around here and I don’t live that far away as well.’

Police presence in the area was high throughout yesterday.

Student Harry Hayward said: ‘I was walking home last night when I saw all the tape.

‘It is a worry and I will probably take taxis for the next few weeks.’

Detective Inspector David Wet said: ‘We know that news of this incident will cause concern for residents in the area but I would like to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to establish exactly what has happened.

‘Detectives and our neighbourhood officers are working extremely hard to ensure all lines of enquiry are thoroughly investigated.

‘You will see a lot of police activity in the area, so please, if you do have any concerns, come and speak to us.

‘We are also keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened last night, or who saw anything suspicious that could help with our investigation.’

n Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting 44180064211, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.