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Student, 21, stabbed to death in university house

The University of the West of England said it was "deeply shocked" by the news

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Jamie Collins, 21, studied at the University of the West of England, where he was described as an active member of student societies
Jamie Collins, 21, studied at the University of the West of England, where he was described as an active member of student societies. Picture: Avon and Somerset Police

By Georgia Rowe

A robotics student in Bristol has died after being allegedly murdered by his housemate.

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Jamie Collins, 21, studied at the University of the West of England, where he was described as an active member of student societies.

Emergency services were called to a garden at the rear of the property where he lived in a house share in Cleve Road, Filton, south Gloucestershire, in the early hours of April 9.

On Sunday, police officers arrested fellow student Zack Coughlan, 23, who lived with Mr Collins. He was later charged with murder and appeared before Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

He was remanded into custody and will next appear before Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday.

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The University of the West of England said it was "deeply shocked" by the news
The University of the West of England said it was "deeply shocked" by the news. Picture: Alamy

A spokesperson for the University of the West of England said: “The university is deeply shocked by the news of our student Jamie’s death in such distressing circumstances.

“Our thoughts are with Jamie’s family at this extremely sad time.

“As well as studying robotics, Jamie was also an active member of student societies at UWE Bristol.

“The university will support students who studied with Jamie and staff directly affected by his death.

“We have been liaising closely with the police to support their investigation.”

Avon & Somerset Police arrested Zack Coughlan, 23, on Sunday
Avon & Somerset Police arrested Zack Coughlan, 23, on Sunday. Picture: Alamy

Earlier, Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Edgeworth, of Avon and Somerset Police, said Mr Collins had not yet been formally identified.

She confirmed that police were releasing his name, with his family’s knowledge, as it would be part of court proceedings.

“Our thoughts are with Jamie’s family at this hugely difficult time and specially-trained officers are offering them support and keeping them regularly updated with our investigation,” she said.

“We would politely ask people continue to respect their privacy.

“People who knew Jamie will be understandably shocked and hugely saddened to learn of what has happened.”

Neighbourhood officers have carried out high-visibility patrols in the area since the incident.

They are also working with the university, where both men were students, to ensure support is in place, she added.