A 20-year-old Cambridge University student died today after contracting meningitis.

A university spokeswoman said Benjamin Vincent, a first-year history student at Pembroke College, died this morning at Addenbrooke's Hospital.

Mr Vincent was admitted to the Cambridge hospital last Thursday where he was treated for suspected meningitis.

The spokeswoman said the student had a bacterial strain of meningococcal septicaemia, but it is not known at this stage if it was strand A, B or C.

She said: "As is standard in these cases, his contacts were identified and about 24 were treated with antibiotics last week."

No other cases have been reported, she said.

A statement issued by Pembroke College said: "Benjamin had so much ahead of him.

"This is a terrible tragedy and we send our sincere condolences to his family and friends."

Counselling has been offered to all students and a memorial service is being planned.