Gun threat as Salford student robbed

A UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD student was told he would be "shot in the head" by a street robber at the Castle Irwell Student Village, reports Bryony Pearce.

The student, who wishes to remain anonymous, was approached just before 8pm on Sunday by a man who initially came across as "friendly", asking his victim for the time and whether they were from the area.

The attacker then threatened the student with a suspected gun, keeping his right hand in his pocket throughout the ordeal.

Although a gun was not presented, the robber claimed he was going to shoot the terrified student in the head before making off with a mobile phone and £10 from the victim’s wallet.

The student, who recently arrived in the city to start a degree course, has been left angry by the attack stating he "doesn't feel safe" around his new home.

The student’s parents are said to have been left distressed by the incident and would prefer their child not to return to Salford.

There have been six reported shootings in Salford over the past three weeks, thought to be related to an ongoing dispute between local gangs. No-one has been injured in the shootings.

Police have advised people not to walk alone in the Salford area and to avoid wearing earphones in the street that can make them unaware of their surroundings.

The victim has warned fellow students to be cautious of people in the area who act in a similar fashion to the assailant.

* Anyone with information about this crime can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.