A STUDENT found dead at a Southampton halls of residence has been named by university staff.

A University of Southampton lecturer said in a message to students that first year student Alexander Ukwu died at Hartley Grove halls yesterday.

In a statement to Alexander’s fellow students, Neil White, head of the electronics and computer science department, said: “I am writing to you in my capacity as Head of ECS, and with great sadness, to notify you of the death yesterday of Alexander Ukwu who was a first year student studying MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

"Alexander will be sadly missed and we are in contact with his family to send our condolences and sympathy to them at this difficult time.

"I understand that you may be very upset by this news, there are a number of different ways you can access support, if you feel you would like to.”

The discovery was made yesterday morning when a 19-year-old man was found in halls of residence at 11.26am.

A team of specialist officers from Hampshire Constabulary were sent to the halls in Hartley Grove to determine whether an amount of helium at the scene posed a risk to anyone living at the address.

Students living in the area told the Daily Echo that the halls were cordoned off until at least 3pm.

One students who lived in a halls nearby said: "I just feel awful for his family. For it to happen away from his home and them to have to receive a phone call that their son has died, it's so shocking and really upsetting.

"I was out when the police arrived but came back to see it had been taped off, it's really sad."

Crews from all three emergency services were called to the scene and firefighters from Redbridge were sent with gas extracting equipment as a safety precaution.

A spokeswoman for South Central Ambulance Service said an ambulance, rapid response team and a hazardous area response team were dispatched to the property.

She added: "We were called at 11.26am to student accommodation in Southampton where an 19-year-old male was found deceased, we understand that police are now handling the incident."

Police confirmed the death of the University of Southampton student is not being treated as suspicious and officers are preparing a file for the coroner.