Lucknow, Feb 24 (IANS): A group of Lucknow University students went berserk after a scuffle with a shop owner here late Sunday, attacking policemen, firing several rounds, beating up passersby and damaging vehicles, officials said Monday.

The melee started after the students tried to leave a sweet shop in Daliganj market without paying. When asked for money, they started vandalizing the shop after which the traders chased them.

The students retreated only to resurface in large numbers, armed with pistols and local bombs. They fired several rounds in the air and beat up anyone who came in their way.

Police were deployed in large numbers and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) companies were rushed in to contain the violence. Students indulged in brick-batting and damaged several vehicles.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Navniet Sikera and Senior Superintendent of Police Pravin Kumar rushed to the spot to control the situation.

With the students refusing to disperse, police had to lob tear gas shells at them.

Police officers told IANS that the situation was tense but under control Monday morning.

Police have seized the CCTV footage from the sweet shop to identify the miscreants, Sikera said.