BOTH universities in Oxford and the police say they have received no reports of students breaking lockdown rules, despite images showing large groups and litter being left in South Park.

Photos have been circulated online and shared with this newspaper, however no complaints have been lodged with the universities or Thames Valley Police (TVP).

Pictures show young people drinking alcohol in groups, with further photos highlighting the litter left behind in South Park.

One man, who did not wish to be named, said he visited the park with his young children and was faced with ‘students who were not only drinking excessively and getting drunk but were acting in a thuggish manner’.

See also: Huge crowds leave litter dumped across Port Meadow

He added: “I was verbally abused by a group of drunk students and laughed at in front of my children as we were walking through the park.”

TVP said the force had received no reports of incidents in South Park.

Oxford Mail: Groups seen in South Park, OxfordGroups seen in South Park, Oxford

A spokesperson for Oxford Brookes University confirmed no reports had been made to the university or TVP.

The spokesperson said the university was aware that parks in Oxford had been busy but could not say this was because of Brookes students.

The university continues to encourage students to follow the Covid guidelines and communicates this to them, while also encouraging those with concerns to call 101.

Oxford Mail: Litter left in South Park, OxfordLitter left in South Park, Oxford

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the University of Oxford said it had not received any complaints regarding illegal student gatherings, nor had the university security teams come across any during patrols.

The spokesperson added: “Nor have we received any complaints from TVP regarding any particular incidents they may have attended.

“We are aware that University Parks was very busy yesterday, but the university security teams report that people appeared to be following the rules and trying to keep their distance from one another.

“The university and colleges continue to remind students of their commitment to behave responsibly to protect themselves and others, as outlined in the Covid-19 Student Responsibility Agreement.”

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Another Oxford beauty spot, Port Meadow, has also recently been left strewn with rubbish.

Julian Cooper, Oxford Direct Services Port Meadow ranger said: “Many hundreds visited and enjoyed this beautiful site responsibly, and I want to thank them for helping keep the meadow safe for wildlife and other visitors.

“It’s very disappointing to have a small percentage who continue to litter.”

Ansaf Azhar, director for public health at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “To accompany the roadmap changes, we need to simply follow the rules – as well as keep our distance, wash our hands, wear a mask.

“As we move cautiously into the next stage of the roadmap, we would ask people to proceed with care and vigilance.”