Police increase patrols near uni campus after sexual assault claims

POLICE have upped patrols near a University of Birmingham campus amid claims of ‘‘sexual harassment, sexual assaults and abductions’’ in the area.

The concerns are centred around The Vale student village, off Edgbaston Park Road, in Edgbaston.

It comes after a post claiming women had been ‘‘forced into cars’’ or ‘‘followed home by men’’ near Shackleton Hall was circulated on social media.

West Midlands Police said it did not want people to ‘‘worry unnecessarily’’ and it was unaware of any such incidents in the area.

But the force confirmed a student had reported being harassed by two men claiming to be delivery drivers. Despite being shaken by the incident, she was not physically harmed.

Now the local police team has stepped up patrols in and around the area, in partnership with security services at the university, to ‘‘reassure and engage with students’’ about the concerns raised online. The force urged anyone who was a victim of sexual harassment or assault to come forward.

On Wednesday, hundreds of students held a peaceful, socially-distanced vigil against sexual harassment on campus.

A police spokesman said: “If you’re worried, please make sure you speak to someone. The Guild of Students represents and supports all students enrolled at the University of Birmingham. We also have a small team of liaison officers – one PC and two PCSOs – based at the university full-time.

“The police liaison room in the University Centre (near the Spar) will reopen when coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

“We know sexual harassment often goes unreported, with victims feeling shocked, upset or embarrassed by what has happened. These are serious crimes.”