One of Britain's top universities is investigating the suspected suicides of three students since the start of the academic year.

The students - all believed to be freshers - have died in unrelated incidents at the University of Bristol.

They are all understood to have died at halls of residence and none are being treated as suspicious.

One of the students who died has been named as Miranda Williams, 19, from Chichester.

Her family say she took her own life just three weeks into her first term.

One of the students who died has been named as Miranda Williams (pictured), whose family say took her own life just three weeks into her first term

Kim Long from Bristol University who killed himself ahortly after starting his course

She was studying philosophy and was a member of the Jazz Funk Soul Bristol society, according to an email to students from the students' union announcing her death.

The inquest into her death was adjourned until next year.

Staff at Flax Bourton Coroner's Court near Bristol said the cause of death was not ascertained and was pending toxicology results when the inquest was opened earlier this month.

The second fresher who 'took his own life' has been identified as law student Kim Long.

The 18-year-old from Penzance, Cornwall, died last week after recently starting his first year.

One of the students is reported to have been found hanged in shared accommodation.

The father of another fresher has criticised the university for failing to publicise the deaths, which all occurred since the academic term began in September.

He said there is not enough pastoral support for students when they first leave home and that the issue is 'something which should be discussed'.

The father, who asked not to be named, said: 'I don't think there is enough pastoral care for students once they arrive at university.

'It is quite a step-up from sixth form. When I was told about the three deaths I was surprised there was no official news about it.

'I think it is something which should be discussed and people made aware of.'

They are all understood to have died at halls of residence and none are being treated as suspicious.

The University of Bristol said investigations were underway into the tragedies.

A spokesman said: 'Sadly we can confirm there have been three unrelated student deaths this term.

'These events are always extremely upsetting and our thoughts are with the students' families and friends.

'Our student welfare services are offering support to anyone affected.

'It would be inappropriate for us to comment on the cause of these deaths until the coroner has undertaken independent inquests, although we understand that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding them.

'The University of Bristol has around 22,000 students. We will, of course, be investigating if there is anything we need to do to learn from these sad events but we have no reason to believe they represent a wider issue.'

The University of Bristol said investigations were underway into the tragedies

An online fundraising page, set up following Miss Williams' tragic death said she passed away three days after she 'decided to take her own life' on October 10.

A message on the page from Emily Williams, understood to be her 22-year-old sister, said the family blamed her death on the stigma against anxiety and depression.

The page, which has raised more than £7,000 for PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide charity, said: 'Miranda suffered with depression and anxiety a lot of her teenage life.

'She was an amazing person, and I am truly not just saying that, she had so many friends, and so many people who loved her but on October 10th, after 3 weeks at University, she decided to take her own life.

'She died on October 13th 2016. We blame the stigma of her illness for her death. It restricted the help she got, the support and the understanding.

'Miranda was a giving person, someone who always put everyone before herself, right up until the end.

An online fundraising page , set up following Miss Williams' tragic death said she passed away three days after she 'decided to take her own life' on October 10

'We want to raise money in her name, and her memory for the charity PAPYRUS, who work to prevent suicide in young people and the stigma attached to it.

'This way hopefully another child, and family does not have to go through this.'

Students were told of Miranda's death in an email from the University of Bristol Students' Union's Student Services Team.

It said she 'passed away peacefully' at the Bristol Royal Infirmary with her family by her side.

It added support was available for students and said: 'Shock, grief and understanding what has happened will affect us all differently.

'It is important to let this happen in its own time.

'Talk to each other, to your school, to your residence pastoral team and to your friends.'

The funeral took place on Thursday at the South Downs Natural Burial Site, in Petersfield, Hampshire, according to a further email from the same team.

Mr Long'smother and father, Viv and Tai Long revealed he had left a 'loving' letter.

Writing on an online tribute page, they said: 'We have lost our dearest, loveliest and only son. Kim took his own life last week.

'He was considerate to the end by leaving us a loving letter which helps us to respect and accept his choice. May he rest in peace.'

Former school friend Caileigh Breen said Kim had given her 'strength and hope when I really needed it'.

She added: 'The way you gained and held the respect for others close to you is something I'll never forget and a life lesson I'll cherish.

'You could always lift up people's spirits and never gave anyone of your friends less than 100 per cent of your time and attention.'

Mr Long's uncle Richard Bate asked people not to rush to judge the teenager, who was a 'truly old soul in a child's body'.

A survey carried out by the National Union of Students last December found that a third of students questioned had had suicidal thoughts during the year.

Of those who took part, 78 per cent reported battling mental health problems.

In 2014, the latest year for which figures are available, the Office for National Statistics reported 130 suicides among full-time students in England and Wales.

It was the highest number since figures were first recorded in 2007 and, of those, 97 were men.

Earlier this year it was reported that an investigation was being held after five student suicides in the course of a single year at the University of York.

Bristol University Student Union's student living officer, Stephen LeFanu, said the organisation was working hard to improve pastoral care.

He said: 'Starting university can be extremely difficult. Some new students are without their support networks from home for the first time, and will be experiencing new academic and social pressures.

'Rising fees mean that students are also increasingly under a great deal of financial pressure, with many taking on part-time work alongside their studies.

Bristol University Student Union's student living officer, Stephen LeFanu, said the organisation was working hard to improve pastoral care

'Many people will also experience complex mental health difficulties, regardless of their environment.

'Bristol Students' Union campaign on mental health every year: our Mind Your Head campaign addresses the stigma around mental health and signposts students who are struggling to the services that are available to them.

'These include the University's student counselling service, our own Just Ask advisers, Nightline and online service Big White Wall.

'We are also currently working with the University of Bristol to begin a review of pastoral support in halls and schools, which will take place next year.

'We urge any student who is feeling low to talk to make use of these services and to make sure they talk to someone. We will continue to campaign for better funded services.

'This must be a priority for students' unions and universities.'