AN Irish lecturer teaching English in Paris was today savagely stabbed to death by a former student who had failed to pass his exams.

The horrific murder of John Dowling, 66, in a possible act of revenge took place outside the Leonardo De Vinci private university in the the western La Defense business district.

5 John Dowling was close to retiring

"The victim was stabbed repeatedly after heading out of the college to go for lunch," said an investigating source.

"At least one of the cuts was to his throat, and he died on the scene. A 37-year-old man was arrested at the scene and remains in custody."

The so far unnamed suspected killer is a Pakistani national who was expelled from the university in the summer of 2017 after failing to get through the academic year.

He is known to have remained in the area over the past year, and was in touch with those running the college.

5 John Dowling was stabbed repeatedly by his attacker Credit: AFP

5 John Dowling was heading out for lunch when he was attacked Credit: AFP

5 Police experts were seen investigating the attack Credit: AFP

5 The killer is thought to have been a former student Credit: AFP

It is not yet known whether Mr Dowling had ever taught his alleged murderer, but university spokesman Sebastian Tran said a possible act of revenge was being investigated.

The suspected killer "had a normal schooling in the first semester, but in the second semester, he did not pass his year and he was therefore excluded in August 2017," said Mr Tran.

Mr Tran said the university had not been aware of any "particular threat" from the former student.

Frederique Vidal, France’s Higher Education minister, said: ‘There is emotion and indignation as a professor has just been murdered at the Leonardo De Vinci university.

most read in world news FIT AND FIFTY 'World’s hottest gran' celebrates 50th as fans praise her youthful looks COV-ER & OUT Lockdown-free Sweden 'on brink of BEATING Covid after achieving herd immunity' GRINCHES Mum reveals HUGE Xmas gift haul for daughter - but some parents brand kid 'spoilt' A-BROCC-ALYPSE US mum posts pic of 'perfect' roast but Brits are fuming over one mistake SMOKING GUN Maddie lawyer has 'material evidence' she's dead & pins murder on Christian B OUT OF THIS WORLD Man transforms into 'alien' after having nose REMOVED & splitting tongue

"We need to find out the circumstances surrounding his death during the investigation being conducted by the judicial police."

Mr Dowling had been on the verge of retirement, said Pascal Brouaye, the head of the university, who added: "It's a tragedy that affects the entire community.

"He was a language teacher who had been here for 20 years and he was appreciated by everyone."

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.

ReplyReply to allForward