The death of former Cambridge professor Jason Arday has prompted an outpouring of anger and sadness after he was found dead at an address in south London.

The former professor , who resigned following a plagiarism row, was found dead at a property in Battersea on Friday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to Daley Thompson Way, in Battersea, where the academic lived, just after 3pm on Friday to reports a man had been found unresponsive inside a property.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene, the Metropolitan Police said.

His death is being treated as unexpected, but is not believed to be suspicious, the force added.

University of Cambridge vice-chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice said: “We are desperately saddened to hear this tragic news.

“Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”

Mr Arday’s death has prompted an outpouring of anger.

Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell said in a statement: “I’m deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Jason Arday. My heartfelt condolences are with his friends and family at this very sad time. I urge people to give them privacy through this incredibly difficult period & to remember there are real people with loved ones involved.”

Damian McBride, adviser to Yvette Cooper, posted a statement, saying: “Everyone said lessons would be learned from Caroline Flack's death. We learn nothing.“

Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside Kim Johnson, said “serious questions need to be answered” over the “relentless media attacks Jason faced”, as she sent her condolences to his family.

Jolyon Maugham KC, founder of the Good Law Project, told Sky News he spoke to Mr Arday every day or two for the last two weeks.

He said: “The police have described his death as unexpected, but cannot say that to me, because he has been telling me for some days he thinks his life is over. I have been trying to talk to him and tell him things can get better and he has much valuable work to do and contribute to society and at the same time I have been fielding calls from journalists.”

Prof Arday, a professor of sociology of education who became Cambridge’s youngest black professor in 2023, quit following a series of media reports alleging he plagiarised his PhD thesis – completed at Liverpool John Moores University – and other research.

Further questions were asked in the press about the truth of other claims he made, including saying he ran 600 miles in six days and that he had raised £5.5 million for charity.

An investigation at Liverpool John Moores University cleared Prof Arday of wrongdoing.

Durham and Glasgow universities are investigating the circumstances around Prof Arday’s appointment to academic posts there .

Prof Arday said in his open resignation letter that the “only way to bring this chapter to an end is to step away”.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branchIf you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you