Students left scarred after "branding" each other with burning hot coat hangers

Published on Tuesday 27 October 2009 11:57

STUDENTS at Exeter University have been left scarred for life following a bizarre bonding session involving burning hot coat hangers.

A total of 15 students took part in the ceremony at a house party last month where they decided to "brand" their chests with the initials of the halls of residence they had lived in the previous year.

Metal coat hangers were reshaped and then placed on a grill for 30 seconds before being pressed against the chest of the willing participants for ten seconds.

After visiting hospital, at least three of those involved were given antibiotics to fight infection.

The students were also warned by a burns specialist that they will be left with permanent scarring.

One male participant told Exeter University's student newspaper that those taking part did so voluntarily.

"No one was pinned down. It was all optional, everyone just stood there and did it, he said.

"We are a tight group, all very close friends.

"It wasn't a spontaneous thing, we had talked about it before."

He added that the whole episode was viewed as a "group challenge" and that within the group of friends there is "a bit of a daredevil culture."

Onlookers said large amounts of alcohol were consumed at the party.

A spokeswoman for Exeter University said the incident would not be investigated.