The 19-year-old has been named by police following her death
Ribble Hall, Preston
A murder investigation has been opened after a student was found dead in her halls of residence. Carla Georgescu was found inside Ribble Hall at the University of Lancashire campus on Victoria Street, Preston, on Thursday, February 5, at around 1.15pm.
Emergency services rushed to the scene of the reported sudden death, with Lancashire Police stating a 34-year-old man from Hartlepool, unconnected to the university but known to the teen, has been arrested on suspicion of murder. A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: “As part of our ongoing enquiries, we have made an arrest and that person is currently in custody.
“They are a 34-year-old man from Hartlepool, and they were known to the deceased. We are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation.
“We have also been out and about in the streets around the university carrying out house-to-house and CCTV enquiries in the area and conducting some searches, including the use of police dogs and our drone.
“We know that news of this young woman’s death and the police activity will be concerning to many, but we want to tell you that we have a team of detectives and uniformed officers working hard to try and establish the circumstances.
“If you have any concerns or information, please feel free to approach an officer or to call us on 101 quoting log 0560 of Feb 5th.”
In an email from the University of Lancashire, seen by LancsLive, a spokesperson said: “It is with deep sadness that we are emailing to share some very difficult news.
“Last week, one of our students, Carla-Maria Georgescu, who was living in Ribble Hall on the Preston campus, passed away.
“Our thoughts are very much with Carla-Maria’s loved ones, friends, and all those who knew her at this incredibly distressing time.”
The university said it is “working closely alongside” Lancashire Police as their investigations continue.
The University of Lancashire said on social media: “As a university community, we are shocked and saddened by this loss and we are working closely with the police to support their ongoing enquiries.
“Our thoughts are very much with Carla-Maria’s loved ones, friends and all those who knew her at this incredibly distressing time.”
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