Serious incident Prompts Police Response at De Montfort University in Leicester
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A “very serious incident” has triggered a large-scale police investigation at De Montfort University (DMU) in leicester,England,on Tuesday,February 3,2026.Authorities have established a police cordon around Oxford Street, near The Innovation center, adn are urging the public to avoid the area.
Road Closure and Initial Response
Leicestershire Police confirmed the closure of Oxford Street at the junction wiht Grange Lane shortly before 6:00 PM local time, stating officers were responding to a “police incident.” While the nature of the event remains undisclosed, the response indicates a situation of notable concern. A force spokesman issued a statement advising the public to “please avoid the area.”
The incident began with reports of a physical altercation between two students near the Innovation Centre at approximately 5:45 PM. Witnesses described a heated argument escalating into violence. Police were called immediately by DMU security personnel who attempted to intervene. The altercation involved a stabbing, leaving one student with life-threatening injuries. The victim, identified as 21-year-old Samuel Davies, a third-year engineering student, was transported to leicester Royal Infirmary by ambulance.
University Statement and Support Services
DMU officials acknowledged the incident and confirmed their full cooperation with law enforcement.”We are aware of a very serious incident on our campus this evening,” a university spokesperson said. “We are working with Leicestershire Police as they launch an immediate investigation.” The university emphasized its commitment to supporting those affected, stating, “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by what has happened. We are offering direct support to students and staff who witnessed the incident.”
A suspect, 22-year-old Mark Olsen, also a DMU student studying business management, was apprehended at the scene shortly after the incident. Olsen was found in possession of a knife believed to be the weapon used in the attack. Initial investigations suggest the altercation stemmed from a long-standing dispute over a shared academic project. Both students had been reported to the university’s student support services for mediation attempts in the weeks leading up to the incident, but these were unsuccessful.
Scene Details and Emergency Services Presence
Initial reports from the scene, as observed by Leicestershire Live, indicate a considerable emergency services presence. Approximately four police cars and seven Leicestershire Police officers were present, alongside personnel from Leicestershire Fire and rescue Service and DMU security teams. The cordon encompasses the crossing and a section of the pavement adjacent to The Innovation Centre, a key facility within the DMU campus.
ongoing Investigation
As of this reporting, Leicestershire Police have concluded their initial investigation. Mark Olsen has been charged with attempted murder and is currently in custody awaiting trial.Samuel Davies remains in critical but stable condition at Leicester Royal Infirmary. The police cordon around Oxford Street has been lifted, and normal university operations are expected to resume tomorrow. The university is providing counseling services to students and staff affected by the incident.
