Bristol University are investigating a spate of suspected suicides (Picture: SWNS)

One of the UK’s top universities is investigating a spate of suspected suicides.

The three students – all believed to be freshers – have died in unrelated incidents at the University of Bristol since the start of the academic year.

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

The body of one of the students is reported to have been found in shared accommodation.


The father of another fresher has criticised the university for failing to publicise the deaths, claiming the issue is ‘something which should be discussed’.

One of the fresher’s dad said the issue needed to be talked about (Picture: Rex/Shutterstock)

The dad, 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.’

The University of Bristol confirmed that an investigation had been launched. 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.

‘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.’

Suicide in students 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% 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.

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.

‘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.’

For emotional support, contact Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org