Student accused of murder over housemate stabbing

A university student has appeared in court accused of murder after allegedly stabbing his housemate to death.

Zack Coughlan, 23, was arrested on Sunday and was charged with the murder of 21-year-old Jamie Collins, who died from multiple stab wounds.

Emergency services found the victim in the rear garden of a house share, where both men lived, on Cleve Road in Filton, north Bristol, in the early hours of 9 April. Both men were students at the University of the West of England.

Appearing at Bristol Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, Coughlan only spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address. He was denied bail and remanded in custody ahead of a Bristol Crown Court appearance on Wednesday.

Police were able to identify the suspect after reviewing CCTV footage, forensic evidence and detailed searches of the area.

They added the victim had likely died several hours earlier.

Det Ch Insp Lucy Edgeworth, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: "Our thoughts are with Jamie's family at this hugely difficult time.

"Specially-trained officers are offering them support and keeping them regularly updated with our investigation.

"We would politely ask people continue to respect their privacy."

DCI Edgeworth said those who knew him would be "understandably shocked and hugely saddened" at the news.

"Neighbourhood officers have been carrying out high-visibility patrols in the area over recent days, and are working closely with staff at the University of the West of England, where both men were students, to ensure support is in place for those who need it," she added.

"Further enquiries are planned in the area around Cleve Road over the coming days.

"We are grateful to people living in the area for their patience and understanding while we continue to carry out this investigative work."

The University of the West of England said Collins was a robotics student, and was an "active member of student societies".

A university spokesperson said: "The university is deeply shocked by the news of our student Jamie's death in such distressing circumstances.

"Our thoughts are with Jamie's family at this extremely sad time.

"The university will support students who studied with Jamie and staff directly affected by his death.

"We have been liaising closely with the police to support their investigation."

Speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday, Filton and Bradley Stoke MP Claire Hazelgrove said Collins' family and the community have been "left reeling" from the fatal stabbing.

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