WARNING: video includes strong language

Fireworks and fire extinguishers were set off by a group of students in part from the University of Reading's School of Agriculture, Policy and Developmentat 10pm on Erleigh Road last night.

Dressed in tracksuits and vest tops, the group were filmed carrying traffic cones and a sofa along the East Reading road before attempting to urinate in residents' gardens.

The incident comes a year after the school's society was disaffiliated from the student's union for wearing black face on a night out.

School of agriculture, policy and development wearing black face last November

John Sharpe, a builder who lives on the road, was brought out of his house by the noise and captured part of the scene on video.

He said: “Almost immediately I had a student trying to get into my garden. I think that he thought that I was just a student rather than the owner of the house.

"At the time I thought that he was trying to p**s in the garden.

“The students were carrying all sorts of stuff including fire extinguishers which they were letting off and then throwing around.”

Mr Sharpe took photos of the detritus left behind in the morning, which included wheely bins, metal railings, road cones and a sofa.

Sahadev Joshi, the union's diversity officer, spoke out against the actions of the student's involved.

"A group of students have acted completely unacceptably," he said.

"We have had reports that they have been streaking across campus and being aggressive to other students.

"We hope that the university will take this seriously."

University of Reading Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell condemened the behaviour and said that a team of senior university staff were conducting a 'thorough investigation'.

He said: “We take this matter extremely seriously and are working now to identify the individuals and groups involved.

“All students are required to adhere to Student Regulations for Conduct which set out tough rules and high expectations for student behaviour.

“The University stands for mutual respect, acceptance and understanding. We make it clear that this unacceptable behaviour does not represent our values nor the conduct expected of those studying here."

A University of Reading spokesman added: “The vast majority of our students play a positive, active role in our community. We will not allow the behaviour of a tiny minority to undermine the good reputation of the majority.

“We have strong relations with the local community and are committed to working with residents and students to minimise disruption of any sort.”