A FULL security review is underway at the University of Hertfordshire following a second stabbing near it's grounds in three months.

Staff at the university say immediate action is being taken to ease tension among students - who have now been told to be in doors by 12pm.

At around 2.15am last Wednesday morning a 20-year-old man was stabbed during a fight outside a bus stop near the entrance of the university's campus in College Lane.

Security staff called police, and ambulance services rushed the young man to the QEII hospital in a serious state.

He is still recovering in hospital but is said to be in a comfortable condition.

Last November a similar incident occurred outside the university's other campus in Mosquito Way, where two men suffered stab wounds as a result of a fight at around 4.15am.

Both incidents involved men who were not students at the university.

The university has now forced the student pub The Font Bar in College Lane to closing at 12pm rather than 2am. It is also discouraging students from congregating in groups and has increased ID checks on campus until further notice.

University spokeswoman Ann Campbell told the Review today: "The university's priority is student safety and it is taking a very serious line on violence on campus. Fortunately, incidents such as these are rare. Immediate measures have been put in place until further notice to protect the student community.

"We are also asking students to take responsibility for the behaviour of the guests they invite on campus."

But students protested against the new rules demanding better security instead of punishing' students. Around 300 held placards and chanted on the grounds last Thursday.

The university stressed that the measures are temporary until long term solutions have been put in place.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the incident.

Following the incident five men from north London, aged between 18 and 20, have been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and wounding with intent. They were all released on bailed.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact DS Townsend on 0845 3300 222 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

  • Is the uni correct to set a curfew or should security be stepped up?