A STUDENT from Hampshire has died in an apparent crushing incident outside a nightclub.

Olivia Burt, 20, suffered a serious head injury near the club entrance just before midnight on Wednesday as people queued to get into the popular venue.

First-aiders tried to save her life and attempted CPR, but she died at the scene.

A post-mortem examination carried out yesterday afternoon confirmed Olivia, from Millford on Sea, died as a result of head injuries.

She had only joined Durham University in October and was studying natural sciences. She had lreviously been head girl at Bournemouth School for Girls.

According to eyewitnesses, the Missoula bar was packed and there was a long queue waiting to get in.

Revellers who saw the horrific scene were in tears as helpers then the emergency services tried to revive her.

In a statement, Missoula said it was “a terrible accident” and that they were working with the police and the security company which provides door staff.

A spokeswoman added: “Our thoughts are with the young lady’s family and friends.”

Detective Superintendent Kevin Weir, from Durham Constabulary, said: “This was a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family and friends of Olivia during this incredibly sad time.

“A joint investigation is ongoing between ourselves and Durham County Council to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Missoula’s Wednesday-evening event, Game Over, describes itself as Durham’s biggest student night and it is in the popular Walkergate area of bars and restaurants.

Students said the venue is often busy and uses barriers when queues of people are waiting to get in.

Durham Police said: “When officers arrived, the student was being resuscitated by door staff before the ambulance service continued attempts to revive her.

“Unfortunately, she was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Forensic experts were working at the scene and covered the spot where she was injured with a large blue tent.

Owen Adams, pro-vice-chancellor colleges and student experience, Durham University, said: “We are extremely shocked and saddened by the death of a Durham University student in Durham City last night.

“We are offering support to students and staff.

“Our thoughts are with the student’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”

A witness said: “The barrier toppled over along with all the people and I along with others got pushed over.

“A student did heroically by giving CPR to the girl until the ambulance arrived.”

Phoenix Security, which provides security for the venue, declined to comment on the incident.

“We cannot make any comments at this stage,” a company spokesman said.

A spokesman for Stonegate pub company, which owns the premises, said: “We are unable to comment at the moment due to it being the subject of a police investigation.”

It is understood Olivia had been on an evening out with the Durham University Sailing Club. 

Professor David Held, master of University College, Durham, said: "The staff and students of University College, Durham acutely feel the loss of Olivia Burt.

"She came to Durham with glowing references from her school where she was regarded in the highest possible terms.

"She had an outstanding academic record and was an exceptional sportswoman.

"She was part of the British Sailing team in the European Championships.

"Olivia sailed for more than a decade, quickly finding her place in the university team. She became very active both in college life and the wider university.

"Those students close to her have lost a wonderful friend, whom in their shock they grieve for, alongside her family and friends.

"The college has lost a bright and outstandingly able student. It is hard to come to terms with her loss, and we will miss her greatly."

Chris Atherton, senior high performance manager at the Royal Yachting Association, said: "The RYA is deeply saddened to learn of this tragic incident.

"As a popular and committed Junior Optimist squad sailor, Olivia Burt exhibited all the drive, determination and good sportsmanship required to progress as a successful Laser competitor.

"Olivia's passion for sailing always shone through and all those who knew her in the sailing community will miss her tremendously; she was both a likeable and fair competitor.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of Olivia at this sad time."

Tributes came in on social media for Olivia.

"Such a tragic thing to have happened to someone with so much potential especially as she was such an important and loved member of the Bournemouth School for Girls community", wrote Latifah.