University of Exeter made the announcement after screenshots of "vile, deplorable" racist comments from a private students' WhatsApp group were shared on social media.

The student who revealed the comments said he had reported it to university bosses and the students' union, Exeter Guild.

It went on: "Incidents of this nature should not, and will not, be tolerated and we are committed to eradicating any form of discrimination or harassment, wherever it may appear."