Police step up patrols after spate of attacks against Chinese students

Students have been offered alternative accommodation and shuttle buses have been provided

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14:36, 17 MAY 2019
Updated16:53, 17 MAY 2019

Students have been offered alternative accommodation

Police are set to increase their patrols in Canley after a spate of attacks on Chinese students living in the city.

A number of Chinese students studying at the University of Warwick have reported attacks on them in recent weeks to both police and the university themselves - which has described the incidents as "troubling".

And the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner has pledged to increase patrols in the area, in order to treat it "as a priority".

Along with the increased police presence, the university has confirmed that it has introduced a shuttle bus service for its students, as well as offering alternative accommodation to some students affected.

What's going on in Canley?

This morning, BBC Coventry and Warwickshire revealed that a number of Chinese students have complained they have been the victims of hate crime in the Canley area.

One student interviewed revealed that she had even been bitten in an attack at accommodation in that area. She said: "I was scared to go out by myself, even to reception.

"I had friends, if I wanted to go buy some food or something like that, I'd ask them to accompany me."

Another student, Lee, also a Chinese student studying at the university, said: "What we are concerned right now about is how should the Chinese and other international students be safely studying around the University of Warwick.

"This is not the first time the same kind of hate crime happened. It's also about our property as well as our personal lives.

"It's a really very serious issue. Generally speaking, there are more than 13 people who have experienced the same kind of problem."

Watch: What happens after a crime is reported

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How has the university responded?

A spokesperson for the University of Warwick said: "The university is aware, and deeply concerned, that a number of Chinese students living in private landlord rented accommodation in Canley have had to contact the police about a range of troubling incidents.

"We are in close contact with those students and we ourselves have reached out to West Midlands Police, relevant local authorities and community members to see how we can work together and what can be done to support those students and to address their very serious concerns.

"The university has provided a shuttle bus service as requested by the students. We have also offered alternative accommodation to some of those students.

"We have also, as the students asked us, continued to engage with the police to find out what follow up action they are taking, or have taken, when the students have reported these incidents to them."

Police Crime Commissioner statement

The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, said: “The recent attacks on Chinese students attending the University of Warwick are shocking and appalling.

“These young people travel half the way around the world and pay a lot of money to learn from the brightest minds our country has to offer. They also contribute significant amounts to the local economy.

“They have a right to do so without their safety being compromised.

“I’d like to reassure all the students that West Midlands Police will increase patrols and I will also raise this matter with senior officers to ensure it is treated as a priority.”