A STUDENT has been found dead in the Chalke Valley in a suspected suicide.

Elsa Scaburri, 21, of Broad Chalke was found hanged in an isolated barn at Knowle Farm in Bowerchalke, on March 20.

Emergency services pronounced her dead at the scene.

Ms Scaburri was halfway through a year abroad, as part of her French and Italian degree at the University of Bristol.

According to her social media accounts, she previously attended Peter Symonds Sixth Form College and Burgate School.

Neighbour Jean Elton, 83, told the Mail Online: "It has upset us all terribly.

"We are all very shocked.

"She was lovely - she was a lovely girl. She was bright and outward going."

Vice chairman of Broad Chalke Parish Council Robert Hitchings, added: "The village is devastated by this news - we are a very close knit community.

"We are feeling it deeply.

"We are all very sad. It is such a waste.

"It is very sad when something like this happens."

Ms Scaburri is the fifth student at the University of Bristol to die in similar circumstances since the start of the academic year.

The university said it was working with staff and students to address how best to support students with mental health difficulties.

A spokesman for the university said: “We were very saddened to hear that one of our third-year students, Elsa Scaburri, sadly died near her home last week.

“We understand from her family that Elsa took her own life, although it will be for the coroner to determine the cause of death.

“The university offers its condolences to her family and friends and our thoughts are with them at this very sad time.

“The welfare of our students and staff continues to be our highest priority and it is distressing for all members of the university community that one of our students has died.

“We would urge any students affected by this tragic incident to seek support from university services, friends or family.”

An inquest into Ms Scaburri's death has been adjourned to a later date.