‘Several incidents’ over weekend of people ‘acting threatening’ on campus

Incidents took place near Halifax College


Over the weekend, a series of incidents took place in which “youths” attempted to enter Halifax College student housing.

The University of York confirmed to The York Tab there were “several incidents over the weekend regarding youths coming on to campus near Halifax College and acting in a threatening and anti-social manner”.

Groups of people were acting “threatening” towards students not inviting them in. Video footage sent to Yorkmemes by a student shows a series of incidents occurring in Halifax College on the evening of Saturday 14th November. Fire alarms are also heard to have been set off in the footage.

The video shows a number of individuals attempting to enter student properties using force.

Students are seen to be trying to hold their door closed whilst a hooded figure attempts to kick the door down. The full video is on the Yorkmemes Instagram.

Other parts of the video show hooded figures cycling around Halifax College courts attempting to gain access to student houses.

As well as the footage sent to Yorkmemes, Yorfessions and Yorfess have published similar submissions.

The York Tab received this statement from the University of York:

“We are aware of several incidents over the weekend regarding youths coming on to campus near Halifax College and acting in a threatening and anti-social manner.

“Our security teams attended the scene and provided support and advice to students after liaising with North Yorkshire Police, and we will increase patrols in the area to deter any further incidents and to give our students additional reassurance.

“We are appalled by this behaviour and we urge any student who feels threatened on or off campus to contact security immediately, or police in an emergency, so we can respond. Students can call Security or use the SafeZone app to alert us.

“We take violence and threats of violence extremely seriously. To any students affected by the recent incidents, please get in contact with us directly via the Student Hub, through our Report and Support webpages or your College team, so we can offer further help.”

The University of York Student’s Union (YUSU) published the following statement:

“An update from the University, in conjunction with your YUSU Officers.

“We are aware of social media discussions about an incident that took place at Halifax College this weekend. The incident involved youths coming onto campus and behaving in a threatening and anti-social manner. Many of the social media reports are inaccurate and confused. However, we understand that incidents of this nature are very upsetting. Your safety and wellbeing are our top priority and we are working with the Students’ Unions and student leaders to deliver this.

“We would like to reassure you that this appears to be an isolated incident and additional security patrols have been deployed. We are liaising with the relevant local authorities and will continue to seek their advice and support.

“The Security team and other support staff are available 24/7 across campus. We take reports of violence and intimidation extremely seriously. Any student who feels threatened on or off campus should contact Security immediately on 01904 323333 or use the SafeZone.

“To help reduce the risk of crime, please be aware of your surroundings at all times and that doors and windows are properly closed and secured. Due to Covid lockdown you are not allowed any visitors into your accommodation, it is imperative that this is observed.

“To any students concerned by the recent incidents, or wishing to discuss issues regarding safety on campus, please reach out for support by contacting the College team (insert [email protected])”

Image and video credit: @yorkmemes

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