THE death of a 19-year-old student following an argument outside Richmond upon Thames College has sparked a major murder investigation.

The dead man has been named as Saman Nikbakhtan, a 19-year old student from Ealing, who was of Iranian origin.

At this stage of the investigation it is still unclear what took place last Thursday and a post mortem held last week has so far proved inconclusive.

A 21-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Twickenham

police station, where he was later bailed to return in mid October, pending further inquiries.

Police say they are keeping an open mind about any possible motive and the circumstances of the incident, and are asking any witnesses to come forward.

Suggestions that Mr Nikbakhtan had been on his way to enrol at the Egerton Road college when the incident took place have been categorically denied by the college who did not wish to comment further.

The news has caused shockwaves across the borough. Richmond Park MP Jenny Tonge said: "I understand that neither of the people involved are students at the college.

" I just think it is a terrible reflection on our society when fights between two young men result in death.

"Certainly it was nothing to do with the college authorities but it is very sad."

Paramedics were called at 1.40pm to reports that a man had stopped breathing and three ambulances attended the scene where they took over resuscitation from a passer-by.

Despite their efforts Mr Nikbakhtan was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival at West Middlesex Hospital.

An incident room has opened at Belgravia Police Station, led by DCI Ian West.

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call the Incident Room on 020 7321 7228 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if they wish to remain anonymous.