West Yorkshire Police arrested a 29-year-old man after seven women reported being sexually assaulted in and around the University of Huddersfield's grounds on Tuesday evening. The force said the incidents happened over 30 minutes, between 18:00 and 18:30 GMT, and the man remained in police custody.
Prof Tim Thornton said the incidents were “deeply concerning” and that the university had increased security patrols around campus. He also urged all members of the community to use the SafeZone app, which provides direct access to emergency assistance, wellbeing support and the campus support and safety team.
Police said they attended the university after being called by its security office. A spokesperson said the women got away from a suspect after he approached and grabbed at them. That account gives the arrest a clearer timeline: the response started the same evening, with the campus security call leading to police attendance and then custody for one suspect.
Tim Thornton and SafeZone
Thornton said “the safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and visitors is our highest priority” and added: “We remain committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for everyone who studies, works and visits our campus.” For people still on campus, the immediate change is practical: the university has increased patrols, and students, staff and visitors have been told to use SafeZone if they need help. A similar campus safety response has been seen in other Huddersfield stories, including why Huddersfield vs Luton Town matters in the League One promotion race.
West Yorkshire Police investigation
Det Insp Sarah Bradley said: “We fully recognise the distress and concern this incident has caused and can confirm a comprehensive investigation remains ongoing.” She also said police were working closely with the university to reassure students and staff and to support victims and safeguard those who live, study and work in Huddersfield.
The force said the women made off after the suspect approached and grabbed at them, but it did not explain in its statement how one arrest fits seven separate reports. That leaves the main open issue in the case: whether the assaults came from one pattern of behaviour or several separate encounters in the same 30-minute window. Huddersfield readers following wider campus news can also see related coverage of the university in Huddersfield squad news before Wigan Athletic.
Huddersfield campus response
The university’s security changes are already in place, and police said the investigation continues. For anyone on campus, the immediate point is to treat the new patrols and the SafeZone app as the first line of contact while officers continue to piece together what happened between 18:00 and 18:30 GMT. Another Huddersfield update is available in Bradford City host League One leaders.
