A murder inquiry was launched today after a university student died after being stabbed in the stomach.

The 23-year-old from Shoreham in West Sussex was attacked early today while out celebrating a birthday with friends in Southsea, Hants.

He was taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital where he died a short time later.

The victim, who lived in Southsea but who came from Shoreham, had been with a group of four fellow Portsmouth University students.

A spokesman for Hampshire Police said: "There appears to have been an altercation with another group of people which ended with the deceased suffering the stab wound."

A Home Office pathologist was due to carry out a post mortem examination today.