A well-respected agricultural professor has been tragically killed, the Royal Agricultural University has stated.
Professor John Alliston, emeritus professor of agriculture at the Royal Agricultural University, ran leadership and management courses for the John Edgar Trust and the Worshipful Company of Farmers.
Hundreds of young farmers and leaders have taken part in courses he has founded and run.
The RAU said in a statment: "It is with great sadness that we bring you the news that Professor John Alliston was tragically killed yesterday.
"John was part of the fabric of the RAU, a valued colleague and a loyal friend, full of enthusiasm and passion for life.
"We appreciate that this news will come as a terrible surprise to staff, students, alumni, and friends of the University alike, but we know that the RAU community will support each other at this very sad time.
"Our thoughts and prayers must be with John’s family at this incredibly difficult time. They have asked that people do not phone or make direct contact for the time being while they come to terms with their loss."
As a mark of respect, the flag will be flown at half-mast today and the university observed a minute's silence at 1pm.
