By Imogen Horton, News Editor
Security patrols have since been stepped up on campus and the University is issuing personal safety alarms free of charge.
Last Friday, February 8, a student was inappropriately touched after a man climbed into her car, parked on Woodland Road, just after 7pm.
The man had tapped on the window and the student had unlocked the door, thinking he was a fellow student. He then opened the passenger door and got into the car without permission, making inappropriate comments to her before grabbing her leg.
The student managed to kick and push him out of the car and close the door before driving off.
In a statement from Avon and Somerset Police the suspect is described as 'a man of mixed race in his 30s, about 5ft 8ins – 5ft 10ins tall with short cropped hair and distinctive big lips. He was wearing a long khaki coloured Parker-style coat'.
A University spokesman said: 'The University is urging students and staff to be vigilant following an incident last Friday (February 8) when a student was inappropriately touched after a man tried to get into her car which was parked in the Woodland Road area.'
'Security patrols have been stepped up in the area and the student has been offered support from our wellbeing team and Police Victim Support.'
'Whilst these sort of incidents are thankfully rare and the campus is monitored by 24-hour security patrols, we would ask everyone to take simple precautions when out at night such as sticking to well-lit and populated routes, and avoid wearing headphones if walking home alone.'
'The University issues personal safety alarms free of charge and encourages students with concerns to seek guidance from Security Services or our dedicated Police Officer.'
'Avon and Somerset Police is investigating and their full appeal can be read online. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has further information, should contact the police on 101.'
In an email sent to Veterinary students, the University also said that they took 'racism, discrimination, hate crime, sexual harassment, physical assault and all forms of abuse very seriously' and encouraged students to use their 'online Report and Support tool'.
The email went on to say: 'Please do look after yourself and your fellow students and thank you for helping us ensure Bristol is a safe and inclusive environment.'
Police enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact them quoting the reference 5219029208.
Featured Image: Epigram / Imogen Horton
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