Poland: Woman killed with axe at Warsaw University as security guard critically injured
A woman has been killed with an axe at Warsaw University in Poland, authorities have said.
The incident happened at around 6.40pm local time (5.40pm UK time) on Wednesday when a man armed with the weapon attacked people on the campus, according to police.
A spokesperson for the district prosecutor's office said the attacker had entered an auditorium at the university.
They said a female administrative employee of the institution was killed at the scene.
And a security guard was taken to hospital in a critical condition after being seriously injured.
Police vans and a cordon were reportedly seen around the auditorium.
Warsaw Police said they had detained a 22-year-old Polish man.
According to reports, the suspect was a third-year law student.
In a statement, the rector of Warsaw University said that Thursday would be a day of mourning at the institution, calling the attack a "huge tragedy".
"We express our great sorrow and sympathy to the family and loved ones," the statement read.
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Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett has said: 'Families are facing unimaginable hardship this evening and all of our thoughts are with them at this time. 'I cannot begin to put into words how difficult today's events have been, and continue to be, for them. 'It's also not lost on me how traumatic it must have been for the members of the public who witnessed this awful incident. 'Across a matter of moments, many of them went from enjoying the warm summer weather to rushing to the aid of strangers without a second thought. 'They showed the best of Southend today and I'm sorry this update does not bring them more positive news. 'My officers, and our partners with the ambulance and fire service, did all they could to help the two injured children. 'Today's loss is one they will all take personally. 'We will ensure support is in place for all of our emergency service responders who provided aid at the scene.' 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'I ask our community to come together in support and compassion during this incredibly difficult time.' An East of England Ambulance spokesperson previously told MailOnline: 'We were called at 2.55pm to reports that a tree had fallen in Chalkwell Park in Westcliff-on-Sea. 'Six ambulances, three ambulance officer vehicles, the London Air Ambulance and Kent Air Ambulance were sent to the scene. 'Two children were transported by road to Southend University Hospital. 'A further three children were later transported to the same hospital with minor injuries.' An Essex County Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: 'We are at the scene of a serious incident in Chalkwell Park working with ambulance and police colleagues. 'We were called just before 3pm today to reports of a large fallen tree. There have been a number of casualties and our work is ongoing. 'Our Urban Search and Rescue Team is in attendance alongside firefighters and officers. 'We would ask the public to avoid the area while our work continues.' A spokesperson for Southend County Council has said: 'We are aware of a serious incident at Chalkwell Park and are working closely with Essex Police, the ambulance service and fire service, who remain at the scene. 'We understand that a tree has fallen and that there are a number of casualties. 'We ask the public to avoid the area while emergency services carry out their work. 'Our thoughts are with all those affected and we will provide further updates as soon as possible.'
