Murder investigation underway at Oxford

A murder investigation is underway after an astrophysicist from University of Oxford died following an incident in Southmoor, Oxfordshire.

Police were called to a house in Laurel Drive, Southmoor at 11.22pm on 11^th January after a member of the public reported an incident in the property. Professor Steven Rawlings – of St Peter’s College – was pronounced dead at the scene.

“On attendance at the address, CPR was administered by a member of the public, police officers and paramedics, but unfortunately the man had passed away,” said Det Supt Rob Mason, from the Major Crime Unit of Thames Valley Police.

The 50-year-old professor was the lead scientist on the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project and also played a prominent role in the redevelopment of the Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station in Cornwall as a radio astronomy facility.

“The inquiry is in its very early stages and the full circumstances surrounding the man’s death are now under investigation,” said Det Insp Phil Murphy. “However, it does appear that the victim and the suspect were known to each other and we are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.”

A 49-year-old-man – thought to be Dr Devinder Sivia, a maths lecturer from St John’s College – was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning. The pair had co-authored Foundations of Science Mathematics in 1999, and were close friends.

“The investigation is still in the early stages and we are endeavouring to establish what has happened in the house and we are keeping an open mind until all our enquiries are concluded,” said Det Supt Mason.

A post-mortem examination was inconclusive, and further examination is necessary before the cause of death can be identified.

A statement from Mark Damazer, Master at St Peter’s College read: “He was a much liked and admired tutor and colleague within the College and will be greatly missed. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Linda.”