A student has died after plunging 500ft on Ben Nevis on New Year's Day.

The female, from Bristol University, was with three others when she fell to her death at Carn Dearg at 10.30am.

It is the second death on Britain's highest peak in recent weeks.

Bristol University said the latest tragedy would be felt deeply by students and staff.

A spokeswoman said: "It is with great sadness that we can confirm that on January 1 one of our students died in an accident whilst on a hiking trip to Ben Nevis in Scotland.

"The student was part of a larger group of students who had organised this new year trip to the highlands.

"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of this student.

"This tragic accident will be deeply felt across our University community, and we will make sure we have support available to all those affected."

A Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team spokesman said: "She was out with a group of people who were all from university.

"We are not 100% sure but she went slightly off route and the terrain was difficult.

"The rest of the party were taken to safety by helicopter."

John Stevenson, from Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, said the woman and her friends had been climbing what is known as the "ledge route".

He said: "I think the rocks would have been pretty icy. It was a big fall.

"We had to get the other three off the mountain - they were stuck."

A statement posted on the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team Facebook page said: "We pass on our sincere condolences to her family and friends.

"A very sad start to 2019."