Oxford University professor Steven Rawlings found dead Published duration 12 January 2012

media caption A murder inquiry is under way after an Oxford University professor was found dead at a house in South Oxfordshire

A man who was found dead in a bungalow was an Oxford University professor, police have revealed.

Steven Gregory Rawlings, 50, was found at the home in Oxfordshire on Wednesday night. He was Official Fellow and Tutor in Physics of St Peter's College.

In a statement, the university said: "He was a much liked and admired tutor and colleague within the college and will be greatly missed."

A 49-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Thames Valley Police said Prof Rawlings and the arrested man had known each other.

Police said that a post-mortem examination carried out on Prof Rawlings was unable to establish a cause of death and further tests would be conducted.

The emergency services were called to Laurel Drive, Southmoor, at 23:20 GMT on Wednesday by a member of the public reporting that a man had been injured at the address.

'Students devastated'

Det Supt Rob Mason, from the Thames Valley Police major crime unit, said: "On attendance at the address CPR was administered by a member of the public, police officers and paramedics, but unfortunately the man had passed away.

"The investigation is still in the early stages and we are endeavouring to establish what has happened in the house and we are keeping an open mind until all our inquires are concluded.

image caption Police said Prof Rawlings and the suspect appeared to have known each other

"It is apparent that he was well respected and liked within the college and colleagues and students have been devastated by the news."

Prof Rawlings was elected to his fellowship in 1994.

He was head of the sub-department of astrophysics at the university from 2006 to 2010.

A University of Oxford spokesman added: "He was one of the lead scientists in the international Square Kilometre Array project and also played a prominent role in the redevelopment of the Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station in Cornwall as a radio astronomy facility.

"We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Linda."