Cambridge students told to ditch 'gown and tux' during pub visits to avoid being attacked

London, Aug.7 (ANI): Cambridge University students have been warned against wearing academic gowns or dinner party dresses if they go into the city for drinking, or they could be attacked by locals.

The advice to 'ditch the gown and the tux' is contained in a university video, which encourages new students, known as 'freshers', to drink safely.

The video, which is supported by police, warns that academic dress and dinner jackets could make undergraduates an easy target for abuse and attacks by aggressive residents.

According to The Telegraph, the warning has been described as 'patronising' and 'over the top' by one local councilor.

A professional production company filmed the four-minute video last July after being commissioned by the university's Sidney Sussex College .

Students at Cambridge and other top universities often wear their gowns or dinner dress for regular formal dinners at colleges.

Two students named Liv and Laura who have also advised students to drink in moderation, drink plenty of water, guard their belongings, walk home in groups for safety and not carry around too much money present the video.

Liv states on the video called Cambridge Stay Safe on A Night Out: "Ditch the gown and the tux before you head into town".

Liberal Democrat councillor Colin Rosenstiel, who represents the central Market ward on Cambridge City Council, questioned whether such 'paternalistic' advice was necessary.

Inspector Steve Poppitt, the city's neighbourhood policing chief, said: "The video filmed by students is another way to tell students to stay safe in Cambridge".

A Cambridgeshire Police spokesman, however, said that he was unable to give any statistics about attacks on students or the reasons for them. (ANI)