The victim was struck down to the streets of Carlton Place as two groups conflicted, directly outside the bar, 90 Degrees shortly before the man was taken to Southampton General Hospital. Local residents and student’s parents are now worried about the safety of the area and their children, as Southampton is home to over 52,000 students.
44 year old Paula Bishop, a mother of a first year student at Solent University said: “After hearing about the attack I can’t help but worry about my daughter every time she goes out, I have to know where she’s going and can’t sleep until I know she’s back in the safety of her own halls. Student safety needs to be taken seriously in such a student based area”.
With two universities based in the city, and 52,000 students living in the area police are making students’ safety their main priority.
The police were called at approximately 1.50 am where they found the victim outside the busy bar, suffering from serious head injuries; so the police are taking no chances in letting it happen again. They are calling all witnesses of the attack to come forward with any evidence to help with the investigation after the scene of the crime was cornered off for forensic examination on Sunday 13th March.
Resident police officer, Tracey Dang, who patrols the area and visits student accommodations frequently to talk to students, admitted: “Students should be extra careful around Bedford place and the high street on weekends; they’re always busy nights for us and where we often find the most trouble. But to keep the area as safe as possible we are always patrolling the area for any signs of danger. We strongly believe that students should look after themselves and try and steer clear from as much trouble as they can, especially under the influence of alcohol to escape from situations like the one at Carlton Place”.
Two men in their 20s have already been arrested for the attack, however, the police are appealing for more witnesses to step forward as later on a third man for Hertfordshire has now been arrested and questioned about the attack. However, all three have been bailed whilst detectives look for further enquiries.
For students to feel safe in their chosen university town, police urge local residents to always speak up if a witness to any controversy. Police believe that the same group who attacked the helpless man fuelled another riot earlier outside a nearby club, which could have stopped the later attack from happening if someone had come forward beforehand.
Although the police were quick to act and defuse the situation, the bouncers of 90 degrees deserve a mention as they helped the police detain two suspects. However more witnesses are needed to further the investigation and have been asked to contact the police on 0845 0454545 if anyone holds any other information.
Contact Details:
Paula Bishop 07851239430
Tracey Dang
Useful links:
http://www.thisishampshire.net/news/8906498.Arrests_after_attack_at_city_night_spot/
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/8908853.print/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-12727013
