‘We’re overwhelmed, it’s horrible’: Northumbria University students left stunned by murder probe

Northumbria University students have been left "overwhelmed" by news of a murder investigation after a 24-year-old scholar was found dead at Mansion Tyne accommodation on Tuesday afternoon.

Northumbria Police confirmed that a murder probe had been launched after attending the scene at around 4:30 pm on Tuesday, September 27. A 21-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Residents at Mansion Tyne were told of the incident via an email on Thursday morning and Northumbria University students have also all been contacted with mental health resources.

One student told NewcastleWorld: "We heard about it via email from the uni. We've got too much work on, it's our second day in, so we're a bit overwhelmed, but it's horrible."

A number of students admitted they had found out about the murder investigation via reports online, before receiving any official communication from the University.

One student first heard about the death from friends living at Mansion Tyne. She said: "I went to a society on Wednesday and there were people from that accommodation talking about it, but it was all speculation, no one knew what happened. People were saying it might be a murder, but it wasn't at all known at that time. It's a bit scary, we didn't think that would happen, especially so soon."

Another student on his way into the Northumbria University campus in the Newcastle city centre said: "I've been emailed by the uni with info on emotional support. Everyone got sent the same email.

"Everyone's been talking about it in group chats. No one is worried, just want to know what happened. There are a lot of rumours. It's a bit out of nowhere, everyone is in the dark. It's the uncertainty that's more concerning than anything else."

One student spoke of seeking solace in the fact someone had been arrested - "it's not like I feel unsafe".

Another added: "You never hear of stuff happening like this in Newcastle. I think everyone's a bit shocked and it hasn't really hit people yet what's actually happened. You can just hear everyone talking about it."