Under Attack(CPlatt) UNDER ATTACK.
BY CHRIS PLATT.

The first anyone heard of the attack was when word went around that something was happening at the university library. That was all the text messages and social media posts said. Something was happening. Details were always sketchy at the start of these things.
The red brick building was off-campus, located on the outskirts of the city. The gothic building was frequented by students and the reading public.
Social media comments reported that the police had sealed off the area around the library. Some comments suggested that people had been hurt. Screaming and crying had been heard coming from inside by passers-by.
By midday there were reports that people had been killed and dozens hurt by the man with the machete. A man wielding a hunting knife had gone berserk in the library building.
The police had been called in, the area was cordoned off. Armed police set up camp in front of the building.
The armed officers huddled outside of the library, maps of the building were being studied, exits tracked, and plans were being made. The police helicopter hovered overhead.
Members of the public, concerned and curious, lined the police tape barrier. Also present was the media. TV cameras scrummed outside, journalists with microphones reported live from the scene.
Everyone was startled to hear more screaming and shouting from inside. The officers aimed their weapons at the entrance to the library. They had to act immediately.
The officers moved in quick, quiet steps towards the steps leading up to the library entrance. They moved with military precision, marching with determination towards the door, weapons trained on the entrance.
A man appeared in the doorway. He was clutching a large knife. His white t-shirt was covered in blood. He looked around wildly.
‘This is the police! Put the knife on the ground, and get down on the floor.’ The officers yelled.
The man rushed towards them holding the knife high in the air. The police opened fire. The man fell under the volley of gun-fire.

The students emerged from the building, coming out of the door. A woman in a Stone Roses t-shirt dashed down the steps.
‘What have you done?’ She cried.
‘It’s okay.’ The officer says. ‘We have eliminated the killer. You are safe.’
‘That is not the attacker. The knife man is tied up inside. This man saved us. He overpowered the guy, wrestling the knife from him. He grabbed the knife and fled.’
‘This man ran at us, he had a knife.’ The police officer insisted.
Her reply came through sobs of tears.
‘He was running to you. Wouldn’t you run to the help when it arrived?’

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