ONLY days after beginning her first term at Durham University, an 18-year-old student was fighting for her life last night after being crushed by a runaway van.

The fresher was walking with a group of fellow students when the vehicle rolled 30 yards into their path, pinning the teenager to a wall in the steep cobbled street which leads to Durham Cathedral.

Another student suffered minor injuries.

The accident happened at about 6.30pm on Thursday after the young science undergraduate, who has not been named by police, was returning from her first lectures.

Police said as the group walked down Owengate from Palace Green, a 28-year-old driver parked a white Ford Transit van, owned by Durham City Council, at the top of the street while he got out to lock up a nearby toilet block.

The unattended van apparently then rolled down the steep slope.

Other students are thought to have contacted the emergency services. They then helped to move the van away from the victim, who suffered multiple injuries.

The girl's parents, who come from Derby, have been maintaining a bedside vigil since arriving in Durham on Thursday night. The student's condition was described yesterday as critical but stable.

Durham University spokesman Keith Seacroft said the accident had shocked staff and students.

He said the young science undergraduate had only arrived in the city on Sunday to begin her studies and after spending some days in the excitement of freshers' events had attended her first lectures on the day of the accident.

Both staff and students, he said have been sending messages of goodwill to the family and wishing the injured girl the speediest of recoveries.

Mr Seacroft said that the girl's parents were staying in the area as guests of the university.

A Durham City Council spokeswoman, Christine Holland, said: "This is a shocking accident and all our thoughts go to the girls and their families and friends.

"We are immediately undertaking a full investigation into the circumstances of the accident and will be liaising with the police and other authorities."

A police spokesman said several people were in the area and appealed for witnesses to call 0191-375 2159.