Police investigate ‘selfish’ student halls party at St Andrews University

Police Scotland have launched an investigation after dozens of students at St Andrews University were caught at a party at a halls of residence last weekend.

Officers were called to a block of the David Russell Apartments on the campus on Sunday evening.

The event, which is illegal under current coronavirus rules, involved up to 40 people and was broken up by campus security.

University leadership have condemned the party, and said the academic future of those who attended was at risk.

According to The Courier, one member of staff was hospitalised with an injury sustained as attendees fled the building and jumped from windows.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “An investigation is under way following a report of a party in student halls at St Andrew's University on Sunday, 31 January, 2021.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”

In a letter to all students and staff, Professor Sally Mapstone, Principal and Vice-Chancellor at St Andrews, said there was “no place” at the university for the party’s attendees.

Officers were called to a block of the David Russell Apartments on the campus on Sunday evening.

She wrote: “Under the current law in Scotland, this was an illegal gathering.

“It was attended by people who clearly knew they were breaking the law, and who showed no respect or responsibility for the health of others, including our staff, their fellow students, and the local community.

“We all know that St Andrews students are not a homogenous group.

“Many residents of DRA and others who have heard about what happened are appalled by the selfish and reckless behaviour of the minority who organised and attended this party.

“The responsible and intelligent attitude of the vast majority of our students got us through first semester, and we will be doing everything we can to nurture that partnership approach to managing the risks of Covid in this second term.

“The law exists for the simple purpose of saving life, and breaking it is not a game, unless you think that risking the lives of others and your own future at this university is a game.”

“To the very small minority of others who believe they are so above the most basic duties of collective responsibility, there is no place for you in St Andrews.”

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