A new document has revealed details of attacks on students and investigations into drug-taking at a north east university.
The incidents at Aberdeen University have been described as “worrying” and have led to calls for improved security.
One of the most serious incidents recorded took place on April 9 when students were subjected to a terrifying attack by a gang of youths – who filmed their ordeal.
At around 7pm, two students were walking from the Taylor library to Regent Walk when three youths cycled up to them from behind.
A member of the group hit one of the pair on the head while another bike-riding thug filmed the incident, laughing as he did so.
The youths continued to confront the students, with the incident continuing on the King’s Lawn area, where the young assailants continued filming.
The report revealed that one of the students attempted to film the youths in return. He was then punched in the face and knocked to the ground.
Police were called and were able to identify two of the assailants, one of whom was arrested the same night.
Support and assistance was offered to the shaken students by university staff.
The same month suspicions were raised of drug taking at the university’s Hillhead Halls of residence, though there was insufficient evidence for the police to obtain a full search warrant beyond the communal areas.
The “court circular”, prepared by authorities, also revealed that in another incident a student had been left trapped in a broken lift for hours.
Liberal Democrat education and justice spokesman at the city council Martin Greig said he believed the incidents were “isolated”.
“The local police are extremely hands on and will always do what they can to help victims.
“They work closely with the university community to try and make the campus as safe as possible for everyone.
“Statistics indicate that the wider area has patterns of crime and disorder and the attack is particularly worrying because the students were harassed and assaulted over a period of time.
“The campus is a relatively peaceful place so this lengthy assault is even more shocking.
“Although this was a fairly isolated kind of attack, any further steps to improve the safety of the area should be taken.”
Mr Greig said it was “reassuring” that police had “identified two of the wrongdoers”.
Nonetheless, he added: “The area is fairly well lit and students should feel they are in a protected space. It would be worthwhile improving the CCTV coverage of the campus.
“Students are given guidance on personal security and responsibility. The safety advice should be repeated as often as possible.”
