UNIVERSITY officials have expressed their shock following an alleged prank which left one of their students fighting for his life.
Glenn Collins, who had just completed his first year at the University of Chester, was left with third degree burns to his face, chest, arms and body after he was believed to have been covered in rum and set on fire.
The incident, which occurred at an end of year party at a friend’s flat in Manchester, is thought to have been a party prank gone terribly wrong.
The university's dean of students, Dr Lesley Cooke, said: “The university was shocked to be informed that Greater Manchester Police responded to an emergency call during the early hours of June 10 in Manchester city centre and that one of our students was subsequently found to have been seriously injured.
“The safety and well-being of students is of paramount concern to the university, which is in close contact with the student's family and has offered them appropriate support should they require it.
“We are aware that two individuals have now been charged in connection with this incident. One was an exchange student from an Australian university and the second is his friend.”
Glenn, 19, who is from Skelmersdale, Lancashire, is now off a ventilator at Wythenshawe Burns Clinic. A hospital spokesman yesterday said his condition is “poorly but stable”.
Greater Manchester Police have charged two men, also students, with causing grievous bodily harm with intent. American exchange student Rohan Foley, 21, and Jack Brown, 20, both of Parkgate Road, appeared at Manchester Crown Court on Friday and were bailed to appear before the court again on July 22.
Friends have continued to flood his Facebook page with get well wishes.
Glenn, who was studying sports science, is a successful athlete and member of the University of Chester football team.