Several hundred people were outside nightclub before student's death

12 February 2018 by
Several hundred people were outside nightclub before student's death

Several hundred people were outside Missoula nightclub in Durham before a 20-year-old student suffered fatal head injuries, police have said.

Witnesses had reported a crush outside the student night held at the Stonegate Pub Company-owned venue on Wednesday 7 February.

A joint investigation between police and Durham Country Council has since been launched into the circumstances that led to the death of Olivia Burt from Hampshire.

Her parents have paid tribute to their daughter, who had been studying natural sciences at Durham University.

They said: "We are totally devastated and heartbroken by the loss of our beautiful daughter, Olivia.

"She was a wonderful young woman and our words cannot truly express how much we miss her."

Police have spoken to a large number of people who were in the area on Wednesday night, but are appealing for more witnesses to come forward.

Detective Inspector Andy Smith said: "This was a tragic incident and the whole focus of our investigation at this time is to find out exactly what happened to Olivia.

"We have now spoken to a large number of people who were there on the night, both those working in the area and those who were queueing to get into the nightclub.

"Officers have also examined CCTV footage from the scene, showing the moments leading up to the incident.

"We appreciate there were potentially several hundred people outside the premises, but we are appealing for witnesses to come forward from among those who were closest to Olivia at the time of the incident and saw what took place."

Any witnesses who were close to the incident at the time are asked to ring Durham Police on 101.

A spokesperson for Missoula said: "10 S.I.A Licensed Door Supervisors from a specialist security door service company were employed to manage security on the night of the accident.

"We continue to assist police and the company who provide our door staff, to fully understand what led to this terrible accident. Until that is concluded we are unable to comment further. Our thoughts are with Olivia's family and friends."

Student dies outside Missoula night club in Durham>>

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