Universities Warn Students Following Bonfire Night Firework Incident in Nottingham

Universities have issued a warning that disciplinary measures will be taken against any students found to have participated in a fireworks “war” in Nottingham. Emergency services responded to Midland Way in Radford at approximately 22:20 GMT on Tuesday, after reports indicated fireworks were being launched at nearby buildings, parked vehicles, and individuals. A “large disturbance” was declared, involving around 300 people outside student accommodation who were reportedly throwing fireworks at each other and at fire engines. Both Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and the University of Nottingham have now cautioned their students, some of whom informed the BBC that they were left feeling “scared” and “worried.” Nottingham student Akua Appenteng stated she was asleep when she became aware of the events on Tuesday. The 18-year-old described the scene: “It was all very hectic, I woke up and I saw loads of people running and a lot of police cars.” She added, “It was really scary and quite traumatic.” Appenteng expressed a desire for “more of a police presence to stop this sort of thing from happening, not just on Bonfire Night but also during the regular weeks.” She also suggested, “I’d also like to see a restriction to fireworks being sold in supermarkets [and] shops.” Caroline Asiedu mentioned learning about plans for Bonfire Night fireworks online. The 19-year-old commented, “I was scrolling on social media and I saw ‘the war’ doing the rounds, but I never thought it would blow up as much as it did.” She continued, “I know people that got injured in the incident – when I was going up into my room, my friend ran towards me and told me she got hit by a firework.” Asiedu recounted, “She showed me the scar that it left and we had to find some ice to put on it quickly. Thankfully she’s OK.” Kesiah Sarpong, 18, reported that the incident left her “worried for the future.” She further stated, “It makes me feel fearful.” Sarpong explained, “It’s my first year here and it makes me feel like I don’t want to live here any more, I’m actively looking for new accommodation which is closer to the city centre.” Patryk Ciesielski, 21, a resident of one of the accommodation blocks, remarked, “It was the same as usual – I think it happens every year, it’s basically people shooting fireworks at each other.” He also noted, “They also set some bins on fire.” Ciesielski commented, “I don’t really mind it, it’s just kind of loud, but I think it was going for quite a while this time around.” He concluded, “Even with my window closed, it was kind of smelly inside, and my eyes were hurting, but other than that I don’t really mind.” A 48-hour dispersal order, initially put in place on Tuesday for the area around Midland Way and St Peters Street, was renewed on Thursday evening. This order grants police officers additional powers to move on individuals suspected of preparing to engage in antisocial behavior. Senior officers confirmed that the original incidents remain under investigation. In a statement, the University of Nottingham affirmed it would “support any police investigation and will take appropriate action” if students were “found to be putting themselves or others at risk.” A spokesperson added, “We work proactively with local partners, including the police, to communicate with our students about the dangers involved with the misuse of fireworks and the potential legal consequences of any associated anti-social behaviour.” The statement concluded, “[We] will not tolerate unacceptable behaviour of this kind from anyone in our community.” Nottingham Trent University (NTU) stated its support for police inquiries, adding: “We regularly remind our students of the importance of being responsible and considerate neighbours and if any of our students are found to have committed any wrongdoing they will face swift disciplinary action under our code of conduct.” NTU also advised, “Any students who are concerned about behaviour in their neighbourhood are invited to call our security team, who are available to support 24/7.”