Nottingham universities send out warning to students after firework ‘war’ on Bonfire Night
They warned any students found to be involved will have action taken against them
Both Nottingham universities have warned their students that action will be taken against them if they are found to be involved in a so-called fireworks “war” at their accommodations.
On Tuesday 5th November, emergency services were called to Midland Way in Radford at approximately 10:20pm. This came after reports of fireworks being launched towards people, buildings, and vehicles.
It was estimated that around 300 people were outside the accommodation throwing fireworks at each other and the fire engines that attended the scene.
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Students documented the “war” on social media which the police has labelled as “appalling behaviour”.
Speaking to the BBC, Nottingham students expressed that some of them were “scared” and “worried”.
Akua Appenteng said she was asleep when she realised what was going on, she saw lots of people running and all the police cars around the accommodation.
She said: “I’d like to see more of a police presence to stop this sort of thing from happening, not just on Bonfire Night but also during the regular weeks.
“I’d also like to see a restriction to fireworks being sold in supermarkets [and] shops.”
According to another student the “war” had been spoken about on social media prior to Bonfire Night, she never thought it would get to the point that it did.
She added: “When I was going up into my room, my friend ran towards me and told me she got hit by a firework.”
Not all of the students living there have a problem with the dangers that come with these firework “wars”.
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21-year-old Patryk Ciesielski, who lives in the accommodation, spoke about how this was usual and how he thinks it happens every year. He said he doesn’t mind it but the volume is part of the disturbance for him along with the smell.
The University of Nottingham put out a message on its website on 30th October to highlight safety on Bonfire Night but reminding students of the standard they are held to.
“Remember, it is illegal to light or throw fireworks in a public place and you may be subject to a criminal investigation as a result. You may also be held to the university Code of Conduct which includes disciplinary routes,” the message said.
On Bonfire Night, there was a 48 hour dispersal order which was renewed that Thursday. This allows the police to act faster on those they suspect to be preparing to be involved in antisocial behaviours.
Both Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham have put out statements with the latter saying it would “support any police investigation and will take appropriate action” if students were “found to be putting themselves or others at risk”.
NTU said it was supporting police with inquiries, and added: “We regularly remind our students of the importance of being responsible and considerate neighbours and if any of our students are found to have committed any wrongdoing they will face swift disciplinary action under our code of conduct.
Featured image via TikTok