Two Coventry students fined £200 over Covid breach party

Footage shared on social media showed a large group celebrating in a common room

Two students have been fined £200 each over a party at a university halls in breach of Covid-19 restrictions.

Footage filmed at the privately-run Arundel House at Coventry University, and shared on social media, showed a large gathering in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

West Midlands Police said it issued the fines following its investigation, in conjunction with the university.

The university has begun disciplinary action against a number of students.

The investigations began after the footage showed a large group of people who were apparently not adhering to social distancing rules at the accommodation on Whitefriars Lane.

Current government guidance states only groups of six people or fewer are allowed to meet, and students have been told they must limit socialising, staying within separate "households" and be taught in managed groups.

Coventry University says it is still working to identify those involved

A Coventry University spokesperson said it continued to work with West Midlands Police and Nido, the owner of the private accommodation, to investigate the "totally unacceptable incident".

It said its process to identify those involved continues, but it has already begun disciplinary proceedings.

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"The vast majority of our students are sensible adults and are taking coronavirus very seriously," it said.

"Many of them are from the communities in which our campuses are based and want to protect themselves, their friends and loved ones and will be appalled by the behaviour of a few."

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