By Ruairi O’Connor
A student has described how he was attacked and chased by a group of men near the De Montfort University campus, on Eastern Boulevard, early on Thursday morning.
Sam Pullen, 18, a Forensic Science student at De Montfort University (DMU), was returning home late from a night out with friends when he walked past the group and was chased down.
He was on his way home from the Students’ Union bar when he was assaulted by the group, at approximately 3.30am on October 11.
He said: “I walked past the group and heard people running behind me which made me turn around to see these guys chasing me. I was still slightly intoxicated, so I got scared and ran towards campus.
“I was unsure of what they were attempting to do but they hit me whilst I was running away.”
Mr Pullen was not aware of how much discomfort he was in until the following day. However, the scars of the attack are not just physical but emotional too.
He continued: “Physically I was in a bit of pain but it wasn’t too bad until the following day, but afterwards I guess I felt partially relieved I did not end up in anything worse.
“I was also upset, angry and embarrassed at what happened because I had never experienced anything like this before.”
There have been a number of unconfirmed rumours about other recent incidents that have happened around the DMU campus area, plus a confirmed robbery when two men were held at knifepoint in Bede Park, also on October 11.
HAUNTING ORDEAL: Mr Pullen revisits the scene of the assault against him.
“I would urge people to stick to busy areas,” Mr Pullen added.
“On top of that, ensure you are always in a group and have each other’s contact information in case you get drawn into and difficult situations and also to let each other know you have arrived at home safely.”
Any victims of or witnesses to a crime are urged to report it as soon as possible to police on 101 or to the DMU security team on 0116 257 7642.
In response to the incidents, DMU’s 24-hour on-campus security team has increased patrols on campus and has had meetings with De Montfort Students’ Union to discuss ways to promote student safety and discuss concerns.
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