A GERMAN lecturer has been found dead at an Oxford University college.

The body of Gudrun Loftus, 52, was found in St John’s College, St Giles, with serious injuries shortly before 9am on Tuesday.

She was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after 10am.

Last night police said they were treating her death as unexplained and were waiting for the results of a post mortem examination.

Mrs Loftus was a university language instructor in German and a lecturer at St John’s College. She covered the language part of the course rather than literature.

In 2007, Mrs Loftus, from Buckinghamshire, received a University Teaching Award for excellence in undergraduate teaching.

Last night college president Sir Michael Schola paid tribute to her.

He said: “Mrs Gudrun Loftus died yesterday morning in a tragic accident.

“She was a fine teacher and will be very much missed. St John’s has sent its deepest condolences to Mrs Loftus’ family and our thoughts are with them.”

Police spokesman Rebecca Webber confirmed Mrs Loftus had been found with a serious injury.

She said: “As the investigation is on-going, there is no further comment that can be made in relation to this case.”