FARMVILLE – A Longwood University student is reported to have been attacked on Sunday night in the area of Grove Street Park, according university officials.

At approximately 10:05 p.m., Campus Police received a report of the assault, according to a campus-wide email, which originally and incorrectly stated the time as 10:05 a.m.

“The alleged victim advised that he was walking to campus from Lancer Park when he was approached by two black males; one of which without any notice or provocation punched him in the face. The perpetrators were described as Black males, approximately twenty to twenty-five years old,” states the email, a copy of which was provided by the university to The Herald.

“One subject was described as approximately 5'11″ tall and weighing 175 pounds with short hair and wearing black pants. The second subject was described as approximately 6' 1″ tall, 190 pounds with an earring in each ear and wearing red shorts and black shoes. The victim, a Longwood student, was examined by the rescue squad for minor injuries and released,” the email states.

Campus Police encourages the Longwood Community to utilize basic self-protection measures such as always remaining aware of your surrounding (avoid becoming distracted by texting), avoiding isolated areas, always traveling in pairs or groups, reporting suspicious activities and/or immediately reporting individuals or groups that appear suspicious or not associated with the university. If you have any additional information about this incident or other crimes, please contact the Farmville Police at 434-392-3332 or any Longwood Police at 434-395-2091. Additionally, crimes or information can be reported anonymously at www.longwood.edu/police/ . Information regarding recent police activity can be obtained at: www.longwood.edu/police/crimelog.htm

Longwood's Vice President for Student Affairs, Tim Pierson, told The Herald that the student had crossed the new pedestrian bridge but was on Grove Street, near the park.

“It was more to do with Grove Street Park than the bridge,” Pierson said Tuesday morning, addressing a rumor that an assault had occurred on the bridge on Sunday morning, adding that he believes students “are better off” walking down Buffalo Street to campus than walking past the park after dark.