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Students filmed jumping out of windows when security break up lockdown-breaking party

Salford university say ‘action is being taken’ over incident at halls of residence

Tom Embury-Dennis
Friday 23 October 2020 14:21 BST
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Salford university students jump out of windows to avoid police at a lockdown party

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Salford university students have been filmed leaping out of first floor windows, apparently in a bid to escape security who were shutting down the gathering.

Footage shared on social media showed students climbing out of the halls of residence windows then plunging off the 12ft-high ledges as friends try to catch them.

At least two appeared to land painfully on the walkway below.

“Salford Royal is going to be full in the morning,” one witness can be heard saying, in reference to the local hospital.

The video was recorded outside the Peel Park Quarter student accommodation, according to the Manchester Evening News.

A University of Salford spokesperson said they were “aware” of the video and that “action is being taken”.

“Security were called and dealt with it on the night and action is being taken with regards to those involved,” the spokesperson said. “Students have been, and continue to be, reminded about the rules and behaviour that is expected of them.”

"The University is taking this matter incredibly seriously and has written to students to remind them of their responsibilities, and the implications if their behaviour does not comply with current restrictions and guidance.” 

It is not clear when the footage recorded, but Salford has been under a tier 2 lockdown, meaning people have been banned from mixing with other households indoors.

On Friday at midnight, Salford, along with the other nine boroughs in Greater Manchester, plunged into the highest tier 3 lockdown, meaning pubs and bars must close and travelling outside the local area is advised against.

A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) spokesperson said: “GMP are aware of the matter and are liaising with the university to understand the exact nature of the incident and what action they intend to take. 

"The police will then consider their response based upon all of the available information and intelligence.”

The footage emerged just days after four students were fined £10,000 each after police were forced to break up a house party where 30 people were found hiding. 

Officers said the Nottingham Trent University students told them they were “spoiling their fun” by breaking up the event on the eve of tier 3 lockdown restrictions being introduced, with the young adults reportedly adding “we should be having the time of our lives”.

The four told officers that everyone had left the party when they arrived at the Lenton address — however attendees were discovered hidden in the upstairs bedrooms, kitchen and basement of the property.

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