University student accused of stabbing housemate to death

A 23-year-old student, charged with stabbing his university housemate to death in Filton, south Gloucestershire, has appeared in court.

Emergency services were called to the Cleve Road property that the two men shared early on 9 April, where they found the body of 21-year-old Jamie Collins in the garden.

The University of the West of England robotics student was pronounced dead at the scene, with initial investigations indicating he died from multiple stab wounds.

Police believe the student died several hours earlier, on Wednesday 8 April.

His housemate and fellow student, Zack Coughlan, 23, was arrested on suspicion of his murder on 12 April, remanded in custody and appeared today at Bristol Magistrates' court.

Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Edgeworth, of Avon and Somerset Police's major crime investigation team, explained that Jamie was being named, with his family's knowledge, even though formal identification had not been completed, as his name will form part of the court proceedings.

DCI Edgeworth said the Crown Prosecution Service had authorised a murder charge against Coughlan.

"People who knew Jamie will be understandably shocked and hugely saddened to learn of what has happened," she said.

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She added that: "Our thoughts are with Jamie's family at this hugely difficult time and... We would politely ask people to continue to respect their privacy."

Local police have been carrying out high-visibility patrols in the area over recent days, with further enquiries planned.

Jamie was described as an "active member of student societies".

A spokesperson for the University of the West of England said the university was "deeply shocked" by the news of his death in "such distressing circumstances".

They added that: "Our thoughts are with Jamie's family at this extremely sad time".

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