Warwick student charged with possessing and firing imitation firearm

A University of Warwick student has been charged with allegedly possessing and firing an imitation firearm in Coventry city centre.

It was reported that Xinge Jiang, a 22-year-old Warwick student from Jiangxi, China, shot a blank-firing pistol “numerous times” from the window of his student flat at Mercia Lodge on Tuesday evening.

The city centre went on “lockdown” following the incident in Broadgate. Police cordoned off “the whole shopping area” for investigation and shoppers were evacuated. No one was injured.

In a statement released this morning, West Midlands Police said that Mr Jiang “has been charged with possessing an imitation firearm with the intent to cause fear of unlawful violence”. Mr Jiang remains in police custody and will appear before Coventry Magistrates’ Court today.

Upon enquiries from The Boar, the University said: “We are aware and shocked at the media reports this morning concerning the alleged actions of a Warwick student. Obviously we cannot comment further until all police and legal processes  are concluded but the University will offer all the assistance it can in those processes.”

Updates will follow.