‘Disrespectful' Sheffield Hallam students film themselves at lockdown rave in halls

Students at Sheffield Hallam have been accused of disrespecting frontline workers after a video emerged of a lockdown ‘rave’ in one halls of residence.
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The video, which was posted on Snapchat by a first year student on Tuesday, 5 January, shows people gathered in a packed setting, singing along to music playing while strobe lights flash across the room.

The University said it is working to identify the exact location of the gathering and those involved.

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South Yorkshire Police are also aware of the incident, which could see the organisers fined £10,000.

Students can be seen packed into a room with music and strobe lights.Students can be seen packed into a room with music and strobe lights.
Students can be seen packed into a room with music and strobe lights.

One woman who knows an attendee said: “Since the University hasn’t been open they have been having parties every week. I know some people who go there and they have been posting about it on their [Snapchat] stories.

"There’s no social distancing, no one seems to care. It’s like a rave.”

The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, added: “It really frustrates me. I don’t see my family, I go to work and just come home, the NHS is overwhelmed.

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"It’s really disrespectful and they have got no regard for anyone else but themselves. People are risking their lives to try and help then they are going out and having one hundred plus parties weekly.”

A Sheffield Hallam University spokesperson said: ”The University received a complaint about a potential breach of Covid guidelines involving our students. Work is ongoing to identify the location and those involved. As a University we are committed to ensuring all our communities are kept safe including students, staff and the wider public.

“We all have a role to play in preventing the spread of Covid-19 and we have communicated directly with all our students to let them know what is expected of them and the consequences if they don’t follow the rules.”

The spokesperson added: “We are working closely with partner organisations including accommodation providers, the council and South Yorkshire Police, to ensure any behaviour that breaches government rules on socialising and safe behaviour is dealt with swiftly and proportionately.

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“The vast majority of our students continue to behave responsibly and within the guidelines but for those who don’t there are a range of sanctions in place which we will use as appropriate and as needed.”