Leeds University Students Targeted by Gangs in ‘Night Of Terror’

Leeds University has been plagued with another spate of attacks on students, after the city witnessed a “night of terror”, despite the institution claiming to have increased security around the campus.

A masked gang attacked 10 young people between 8pm and 8.30pm on Wednesday, leaving two victims needing hospital treatment, the Leeds Student paper reported.

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The parent of one victim told the student paper how he was “smashed in his head from behind, knocked to the floor and stamped and kicked all over his body, including his head”.

“Is this what parents can expect for their children when they go to university in Leeds, that they are to run to and from their accommodation?” they added.

A statement issued by West Yorkshire Police confirmed the victims were mainly students but added “there is nothing to suggest they were specifically target for this reason”.

The incident involved a group of 10 to 15 masked black males who threatened the students into handing over valuables. Some victims were also assaulted, resulting in injuries. {snip}

Inspector Ian Scott, of the local neighbourhood policing team said the series of robberies in such a short space of time was “unusual” and police were working closely with university security to ensure a “joined up approach” to combat the offences.

“I think it is important to clarify there is nothing to suggest students are being specifically targeted”, he added. “People who commit these offences are looking for young people who may have valuables such as mobile phones on them and in this area of Leeds students represent a large proportion of those people.”

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