A POLICE inquiry was under way today after a University of Southampton student plunged 15 floors to his death from a city tower block.

The body of the 25-year-old was discovered outside Stoneham House halls of residence in Wessex Lane, Swaything, around 9.30am.

Today university officials said other students had been leaving the building for lectures at the time and any who witnessed the tragedy would be offered counselling.

It is understood that the victim, who has not been formally identified, was Asian.

A spokeswoman for Southampton University said: "The university is extremely saddened by the student's death. We will be doing all we can to help his relatives and also, because of the circumstances, be offering counselling to students who have been badly affected."

The university would not confirm what subjects the student had been studying or other personal details until he had been formally named by police.

Detectives said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the matter and there appeared to be no suspicious circumstances.

It was understood the student had lived in accommodation on the 16th floor of Stoneham House.

An area outside the building remained cordoned off this morning as police inquiries continued. Meanwhile officers were examining CCTV footage from the scene. Detectives appealed for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact Southampton Central CID on 0845 045 4545.