STUDENTS returning to Nottingham Trent University have reacted with shock and horror to news of Matthew Pyke's violent death.

Matthew was due to start a degree at Trent in October and the area surrounding his flat is home to a large number of students, who have just returned to the city after the summer break to be greeted by frantic police activity outside The Orange Tree pub.

Fourth year fashion student Naomi Rodgers, 22, has just moved into North Sherwood Street, near the scene of the crime.

She said: "I noticed the police cordon and now I know what has happened I am really shocked; it's very upsetting. I thought this area would be safer than St Ann's, where I lived previously.

"There, I was mugged of my phone at 6pm in December, 2006. The guy pushed me to the ground and I was quite shaken up. As a result my parents in Cheshire do worry about me being in Nottingham."

Naomi's housemate, fellow fashion student Kirsten Lilley, 22, said: "We will be extra cautious because of this. We hadn't been using the security alarm at our new house, but we will from now on. I previously lived in Radford where I felt like you had to run to the shops and back because it wasn't safe, but I thought this area was better."

One 21-year-old computing student, who arrived from Nigeria eight days ago, said he is already scared by what he's seen and heard in Nottingham.

"Within days of arriving I heard gunshots at night and now this," said the Trinity Square resident, who did not want to be named.

International students Mohammad Alqhldi, 21, and Naif Althnyh, 20, moved into the district six months ago to study at Trent.

Mohammad said: "This area isn't safe. Me and my friends are scared to walk in the streets at night so we arrange to stay over at one another's homes after a night out."

Naif said: "We live in student accommodation and have double security doors, which is reassuring, but when we move into our own accommodation next year we will make a decision about location based on low crime and safety."

Korean fashion student Aileen Kim, 20, already felt threatened living in nearby Union Road.

"This is shocking, but I already felt you had to be very careful in this area. In the past I was pushed around and harassed in the street by people who were on drugs.

"Now I stick in groups and I don't go out alone."

But Harry Peacham from Kent, a 21-year-old psychology student in his third year, said: "Violent crime like this one is a UK-wide problem, it's not unique to Nottingham or this district. People are talking about it, but personally I'm not particularly nervous. The tragedy is that people are so passive to it now."