Police want to seal off a popular bridge on May Day "to avoid another Hillsborough".
Officers fear revellers at Oxford's Magdalen Bridge could be crushed in the 25,000-strong crowd expected this year - when the event falls on a Saturday.
They are calling on councillors to reverse an earlier decision and close the bridge again.
Pc Tony Currell told councillors he feared a repeat of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster in which 95 football fans were crushed to death.
He said: "Our job is to give safety advice on the evidence we have.
"This is constructive advice so that safety is kept to the utmost and we do not have accidents or a disaster like Hillsborough." Police barricaded the bridge last year after fears that students jumping into the River Cherwell could be swept away.
The May Day Advisory Group, which includes police and students, believes the traditional celebrations pose a threat this year. Councillors, who voted last month not to close the bridge, decided on more talks with police before making a final decision.
Story date: Friday 12 March
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