Two students at Bury College have died of meningococcal disease in three months

A student at Bury College has died of meningococcal disease, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed.

The agency said a student had died of 'confirmed meningococcal disease' and its Greater Manchester Protection team is working to prevent 'the further spread of this infection'.

Today the college named him as barbering student Alfie Mullans, and also confirmed he is the second student to die of meningococcal disease - which can cause meningitis and septicaemia - in three months.

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An un-named student at the college also died in March this year, the college confirmed, but health bosses say the two cases are not related or linked and are different strains of meningococcal disease.

Following the latest death, antibiotics have been arranged for close household contacts of the student and information has been provided to remind students and staff of the signs and symptoms of meningococcal infection and how to protect themselves against four strains of meningococcal disease through vaccination, said the UKHSA in a statement.

Charlie Deane, Bury College Principal said: in a statement to the M.E,N: "The college is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Alfie Mullans. Alfie has been a barbering student and well-loved member of the Bury College community and our thoughts and condolences are with Alfie’s family and friends at this sad time.

"The college is providing support for all students and staff who may be impacted by this tragedy."

In a statement Dr Elizabeth Stratford, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA North West, said: "We understand that there will be concern among students as well as their parents and staff at the college