Leeds University students ‘safe’ after Paris attacks

A group of Leeds University students were caught up in the attacks in Paris last night.
People react in front of   the Carillon cafe and the Petit Cambodge restaurant  in ParisPeople react in front of   the Carillon cafe and the Petit Cambodge restaurant  in Paris
People react in front of the Carillon cafe and the Petit Cambodge restaurant in Paris

Around 50 students, who were part of the university’s Leeds French Society, spent the night in a Japanese restaurant because they were unable to get back to their hotel.

The group, who are safe and well, were stopping in the 10th Arrondissement - the same district where around 14 people were killed at Le Carillon bar-cafe.

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Leeds University student Elliot Van Barthold was among the group of 50 who travelled to Paris for the weekend.

People attend a vigil in Trafalgar Square in LondonPeople attend a vigil in Trafalgar Square in London
People attend a vigil in Trafalgar Square in London

He said: “There were around 50 of us visiting Paris for the weekend to experience the culture and the people.

“We were out for the evening when we were told that there had been an attack.

“We received text messages and phone calls from loved ones asking how we were. We had no idea what was going on and people at home seemed to know more than us.

Leeds UniversityLeeds University
Leeds University

“There were police cars and ambulances flying past us.”

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The group were given shelter at a restaurant where they remained for the evening as the atrocities unfolded.

They then left the eatery at 7.30am to make their way back to their hotel.

The French and Portguese student said: “It was daunting and the streets were quite empty.

“There were a few armed police standing on the corners of the streets and it was a bit surreal.

“It is just really hard to describe what has happened.

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“There are French flags up everywhere and we have been told to stay indoors and not go out.

“It seems like a bleak overcast and that just reflects the atmosphere.”

The group are expected to fly back to England tomorrow (Sunday).

Elliot added: “Everyone is in shock and we just can’t believe what has happened.

“Everyone is coping and managing really well given the stressful circumstances.”

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