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Yale University bosses issued a warning to stay away from the premises after a 23-year-old was shot three times.

But the area near the university in New Haven, Connecticut remains cordoned off next to the historic school's Old Campus.

Cops are now on the lookout for the shooter – said to be wearing a balaclava – after reports shots could be heard from within the university grounds.

One student said: “I was sitting in my dorm doing work, blinds closed, and I heard like three shots.

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“I saw a crowd and commotion right outside [campus shop] Durfees, and called the police."

The local area had been crowded with people celebrating St Patrick's Day.

But officials have confirmed the shooting is not related to the event or the university.

A police spokesman said: “Officers were dispatched to the area and located a crime scene on Elm Street between Wall and College Streets.

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“The victim, twenty-three year old Damien Phillips had been shot twice in his shoulder and leg.

“Other than [that] the shooter was wearing a ski-mask, the suspect’s description was not available.

“Robbery does not seem to have been the shooter’s motive. Investigators believe it is probable the victim was targeted.

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“Police have confirmed that a man was shot on Elm Street between High and College.

“The man was taken to the hospital with what appear to be non-life threatening injuries.

Meanwhile Yale were quick to reassure students after issuing a warning to stay away from the university, saying: “There is NO THREAT to the campus.

“New Haven police are investigating. Avoid area while police conduct their investigation.”