Snapchat Footage Shows Students Breaching Coronavirus Rules In Huge Illegal Rave

Snapchat footage shows a large group of students breaching coronavirus rules at an illegal rave. You can watch the footage here:

The clips were recorded at around 1am this (Friday) morning outside Owens Park halls of residence in Fallowfield, south Manchester, UK - which houses students from the University of Manchester.

One video is captioned 'Covid wah?' and people can be seen dancing in close proximity to each other as music blares from a sound system.

More security staff have now been deployed at the campus and the university is in the process of identifying students in the footage and disciplining them.

A University of Manchester statement said: "We are aware of this party and our security services worked with Greater Manchester Police to shut it down.

"This behaviour is totally unacceptable and the University strongly condemns it. We have been clear and consistent with our messaging around student conduct and behaviour in halls and we will be working hard to identify those involved.

"Our students must respect social distancing rules and all other restrictions to keep themselves and others safe. If students do not comply, they will face disciplinary action from the University, which could lead to fines or expulsion, and we will not hesitate to involve the police if necessary.

"Some students have already been issued with fixed penalty notices by the police. Additional security officers have been deployed in Fallowfield and further reminders sent. Details of offending students are being recorded and a number of these will now go through our disciplinary process."

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A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) spokesperson told LADbible: "Police were called to a report of a large gathering suspected to be in contravention of Covid-19 legislation at Beech Court, Oak House, off Moseley Road Fallowfield, at around 1.20am on Friday 25 September 2020.

"Officers attended and seized music equipment. Attendees were dispersed and advised of the importance of adhering to Government guidelines. No FPNs were issued."

Students should only socialise in their bubbles - i.e. the people they live with - but the university is now looking at introducing a curfew following a 'significant' number of breaches. Earlier this week, four students were fined £100 for organising an 'after the pub party'.

Student Safe Lead, Inspector Shoheb Chowdhury of GMP's City of Manchester Division, said: "We appreciate that the student experience is very different to usual this year, particularly for those beginning new courses and who would usually be enjoying freshers' week.

"We have taken a very measured approach to breaches we've encountered, taking care to engage and explain the importance of following social distancing and current local lockdown guidance.

"However, where necessary we are prepared to issue Fixed Penalty Notices, and in the seven days preceding 23 September, 29 FPNs were issued to students across the City of Manchester Division.

"We continue to work positively with our partners across the higher education sector to drive home the importance of following restrictions.

"We'd encourage all students to consider the potentially negative impact on their education - not to mention their health and that of their loved ones - before attending gatherings that break the law."

Clearly though, this is a terrible time to be a fresher - a period typically devoted to mingling and going out.

Indeed, students in Scotland have been told they are not allowed to socialise outside of their households whatsoever - so they'll no doubt find out sharpish whether or not they get on with their new housemates.

PA

One student told the BBC: "Being asked to isolate in uni halls isn't the best. It's not like in your own house where you might have a garden and your own bathroom and a separate room to work in and sleep in.

"Most of the time is spent in my bedroom. It's nice but it can get me down a bit. I get out of bed, take two steps to my desk and that's what I do for most of the day.

"I am slowly running out of food. I've only been here a week and haven't done a big food shop. I have been using up the few things I brought with me. It's another stressor to deal with."

Topics: UK News, Coronavirus, crime, University, UK News, Coronavirus, crime, University

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey