FOUR students at a Scottish university have contracted coronavirus after a rule-busting freshers' week party.

The halls of residence gathering was in breach of national Covid-19 restrictions and a St Andrews University move to put all students into "voluntary lockdown".

Principal Sally Mapstone issued that no-partying plea on Friday in order to prevent the virus taking hold amongst the student population.

The Fife institution says learners have a responsibility to each other and residents of the town they share.

More than 40 students are now self-isolating.

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The new cases bring the total at the university to seven, after three were announced last week.

In a message to students, Mapstone said: "Four new positive cases were confirmed amongst our students.

"This is in addition to the three sporadic cases which I had notified to you all previously.

"All have comparatively mild illness and are being appropriately supported."

She added: "These new cases of Covid were acquired in St Andrews and are all linked to one party in a hall of residence in freshers' week.

"Over 40 students are now in enforced isolation as a result.

"Quite apart from the fact that the party broke the law, and our own very clear guidelines on socialising and safe behaviour, the ripples from this single incident have consequences for all of us.

"Please do not arrange or attend parties unless they are only attended by your immediate household group".

Despite the new cases, the university will restart some activities cancelled over the weekend, including "most sport, training activities and the gym".