A university tutor and school teacher have paid tribute to the young man who died trying to break up a fight in Bedford town centre early on Sunday.

James Latimer, 22, of Dearne Walk, Brickhill, died of head injuries at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge on Monday afternoon.

Police had been called to a disturbance involving around 20 people outside the Subwich takeway in Midland Road, Bedford, at 3.17am the previous day.

Mr Latimer was a former pupil at St Thomas More RC Upper School, in Tyne Crescent, where his sister Sarah, 15, is still a student. His brother Andrew, 18, left the school last year.

His former teachers have been left shocked and upset.

Deputy headteacher, Mrs Frances Topa, said: "James was a super young man, who really came into his own when he reached the sixth form, both academically and socially. He got excellent A-levels and had a bright future ahead of him. We've known him and his family for a number of years and our thoughts and prayers are with them."

The school is now planning a remembrance mass.

Mr Latimer graduated from the University of Bedfordshire last year with a degree in sport, media and culture.

Tutor Peter Craig described his death as "a real tragedy".

He said: "James was a high-achieving, hard-working, bright young student, with a promising career ahead of him. Having known James for three years I wasn't surprised when I learned that he had tried to intervene to protect a friend."

Bedfordshire Police are appealing for information on 01234 841212 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.