Death of senior Oxford university lecturer investigated

A senior lecturer has died after being found seriously injured at one of Oxford University's sites.

Gudrun Loftus, 52, who taught German at St John's College in St Giles and lived in Buckinghamshire, was discovered on Tuesday at about 0900 BST.

The college said she had died in a "tragic accident" after falling down a staircase.

Police said they were treating her death as unexplained and have begun an investigation.

'Fine teacher'

Mrs Loftus was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford where she was confirmed dead.

A message on the college's website said: "Mrs Gudrun Loftus, for many years college lecturer in German, died in a tragic accident on Tuesday 5 October, after a fall on a college staircase."

It added: "The college has sent her family its deepest condolences.

"She was a fine teacher, and will be much missed."

Her funeral will be held at noon on 18 October at St Bernardine's Church in Buckingham.