Police have launched an investigation following the tragic discovery of a teenage student's body at a university halls of residence in Preston. Lancashire Police confirmed that officers attended Ribble Hall on Victoria Street after receiving reports of a sudden death on the University of Lancashire campus.
Police Response and Initial Findings
Officers were alerted at 1.15pm on Wednesday, February 5, 2026, and upon arrival, they very sadly found the body of a woman in her late teens inside the address. A police spokesperson stated: "We were called at 1.15pm yesterday to an address in Victoria Street, Preston, to a report of a sudden death. Officers attended and very sadly the body of a woman in her late teens was found inside the address. Our thoughts are with her family at this distressing time."
Ongoing Enquiries and University Context
Enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the death are currently ongoing, with authorities working to determine the exact cause. The incident has sent shockwaves through the university community, highlighting concerns about student welfare and safety in campus accommodation.
The University of Lancashire has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident, but local sources indicate that support services are being mobilized for affected students and staff. Ribble Hall, located on the university's main campus, is a popular accommodation choice for many undergraduates, making this discovery particularly distressing for the wider student body.
Community Impact and Further Developments
This tragic event underscores the vulnerabilities faced by young people living away from home for the first time, raising important questions about pastoral care and emergency response protocols in higher education settings. As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge regarding the timeline of events and any potential factors contributing to this sudden death.
The police have emphasized that their primary focus remains on supporting the victim's family while conducting a thorough and sensitive investigation. Updates will be provided as the enquiry develops, with the university community awaiting further clarity on this heartbreaking situation.
