An investigation's been launched after a young girl was attacked and injured by a metal bolt believed to have been fired from a crossbow or similar weapon.

The girl was shot at the entrance to Canterbury College in New Dover Road, Canterbury, at around 12.15pm today.

Police found the missile, a metal bolt, near the scene.

The girl, in her late teens, is a student on a beauty course at Canterbury College.

Friends and security guards at the college gave first aid while waiting for paramedics.

She was taken to the William Harvey hospital in Ashford with injuries to her face.

In a statement Canterbury College said it has offered support to witnesses and the injured girl's family.

Alison Clarke, College principal, said: "This is clearly a very frightening event, and our thoughts are with the young lady and also with her family and her friends.

"The college pays tribute to the staff, students and ambulance team who dealt so professionally and calmly with the situation, and helped in any way they could to ensure the young lady was looked after and comforted before being taken to hospital.

"We will do all that we can to support her and her family, and any students and staff who might have been affected by this dreadful incident, and we are cooperating fully with the police in their investigations."

Witnesses are believed to have described the weapon as similar to a crossbow.

The girl's attacker is still at large and police are looking for witnesses.

Anyone with information can call 101 quoting crime reference number 04/05/73.

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