A 31-year-old man suffered a fractured skull and serious cuts to his body in an attack outside the Barony Hall, a Strathclyde University Building. He was treated at the Royal Infirmary, but later released.

The attack happened on Saturday 9th March at 10:30PM. Police Scotland Detective Constable Craig Muir said it appeared to be pre-planned and targeted, and was performed with machetes by a gang of up to 10 hooded men.

Police say that the victim was initially standing outside the Barony Hall, situated about 30 meters from Strathclyde student accommodation, where he was initially attacked by a machete-wielding man. This suspect was wearing shorts and a dark jacket. A gang of eight or nine men, all wearing tracksuits and covering their faces, then surfaced to join the attack.

“This level of violence in the middle of a busy city centre street is completely unacceptable and I am urging members of the public who were nearby on Saturday night to please think back and consider whether you saw anything at all suspicious,” said Det Con Craig Muir.

Police are appealing to any passing motorists or pedestrians that were on High Street – a relatively busy street even at that time of night, especially on a Saturday – to come forward with information.

When contacted for comment, Strathclyde University Press Office seemed to have no clue that the attack had happened, asking for further details. Later they responded that the attack happened “off of [Strathclyde] campus” and that they had no comment. When pressed for comment on general advice for students travelling around the Strathclyde area at night, they said they had no comment.

Barony Hall is famous for housing the Strathclyde University graduation ceremonies and university exams.

Police say that the attack at the Barony Hall is not linked to a separate incident where a 42-year-old man was found seriously ill with stab wounds lying on Duke Street, Wednesday 13th March. Duke Street is home to Collegelands student accommodation, as well as being a popular location for Strath students to live. 

If you believe you are in danger around campus, phone 999 immediately.

If you are unsure about a situation and you are on campus, you can call Strathclyde emergency security at 0141 548 2222

If you are anywhere in Glasgow and cannot afford a taxi to get home safely, your Strathclyde Students’ Union card can be used as payment. Instructions on how to use the card are on the back.

 

By Callum Ogilvie, Podcast Editor (email: podcast@strathclydetelegraph.com)