Violence breaks out at Leeds University as pro

Release time：2024-05-19 14:57:16 Source：Culture Circuit news portal

A pro-Palestine demonstration descended into chaos after violence broke out between security guards and students from the University of Leeds.

The students standing against Israel's war in Gaza decided to stage a protest during the student union's Hall Awards in a bid to 'disrupt' the ceremony on Thursday.

In a video posted by Student Rebellion Leeds, the group alongside Youth Demand Leeds began to chant: 'The students united will never be defeated.'

But when the protesters attempted to enter the hall - where the ceremony was being held - pandemonium erupted.

Screams and shouting could be heard, as the angry clash continued between the security guards and students.

A violent clash broke out between pro-Palestine students and Leeds University student union security staff after the protesters attempted to enter the hall (pictured)

One student could be seen sobbing on the floor as blood flooded from her nose following the shocking incident.

Student Rebellion Leeds alleged on Instagram that injury had been sustained during the clash.

In a statement posted to the social media site, the student group alleged security staff had threatened to remove them following the chants outside the awards ceremony.

They also claimed security employees tried to take a university student's megaphone and also alleged they 'violently attack[ed] student protesters without warning.'

The group claimed: 'Multiple students were manhandled, dragged, shoved, and kicked by security, with several sustaining injuries.'

A spokesperson for the University of Leeds said: 'We are deeply disappointed that an annual celebration of outstanding student contribution to University life – held by and for students - was temporarily disrupted by a demonstration by protesters entering the event.

'While we respect the right to freedom of expression within the law, we have communicated clear guidance regarding protests to those currently camped on our campus.

'The University will review evidence from the disrupted celebration and take appropriate disciplinary action against those found to be in breach of those rules.

MANCEHSTER: People were seen chanting for the university to 'end it's partnership with systems which support Israel'

SHEFFIELD: A number of students walked out lectures at Sheffield university on Wednesday to take part in their demonstration

'We know that many in our community are distressed and directly impacted by the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza, and we will continue to support our students and act to protect the cohesion of our community.'

MailOnline has approached West Yorkshire Police and Leeds University Union for comment. 

This comes after scores of pro-Palestine students have been staging protests on university lawns across Britain in a stand against Israel's war in Gaza. 

Protesters at Russell Group universities including Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Sheffield and Newcastle have pitched tents and erected anti-Israel signs as they call for an end to military action in the Gaza strip. 

Students from Manchester University filled nearby Brunswick Park with banners, plaques and Palestinian flags to call for the university to 'end it's partnership with systems which support Israel'. 

NEWCASTLE:  People gather during a protest in support of Palestinians, during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on May 1

One banner read: 'UOM blood on your hands', while another claimed: 'UOM supports Israeli Genocide.'

In Bristol, hand-painted banners were erected between tents, emblazoned with messages of defiance as students lobbied their university to cut ties with arms companies and back calls for a ceasefire as the war rages on in the Levant.

Large crowds have also been forming in Newcastle, as students say their protest will 'highlight the institution's investment strategy and its complicity in the Israeli military's war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank'.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said police will 'have our full support' to tackle potential disorder if students attempt to replicate the violent demonstrations recently seen at US university campuses.

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