Student at North East university drinks himself to death

The 20-year-old Newcastle University student was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition after "consuming excessive amounts of alcohol".

Northumbria Police said he had been taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in the city at 5.45am on Tuesday and died on Wednesday.

A university spokesman said: "It is with deep sadness we can confirm the death of one of our students, and our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.

"The university's welfare services are offering support to any students or staff who may have been affected by the news.

"At the family's request, we have nothing further to add at this time."

The police said the investigation into the death had now been passed to the coroner.