PRESS regulator IPSO is reviewing a "high volume of complaints and concerns" over newspaper coverage of former Cambridge professor Jason Arday following his death.
The 41 year old academic, who was found dead on Friday, resigned from his post as professor of sociology of education at the University of Cambridge last week after allegations of plagiarism were made against him.
His death has prompted widespread criticism of the nature and volume of coverage he faced, with tens of thousands of people gathering at a vigil in London to remember him.
Arday's family have since called for an end to what they described as a "campaign of harassment" against him.
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In a statement issued through his book publisher, they said: "We are asking the press to leave us alone now, and to stop the campaign of harassment which has been waged against Jason and his family for too long."
News comparison and media bias rating platform Newscord has said that more than 199,000 emails have been sent to IPSO so far.
IPSO, which regulates the majority of the UK's national newspapers, has now confirmed it is examining complaints about the coverage.
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An IPSO spokesperson said: "We were deeply saddened by the death of Jason Arday, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.
"This is a complex situation, and it would not be appropriate to speculate about the causes of Dr Arday's death. However, we take concerns about press conduct and media coverage very seriously.
"This week, we have received a high volume of complaints and concerns about recent coverage on Dr Arday, which we are reviewing.
"In the meantime, we remind editors of the importance of reporting with sympathy and discretion in the aftermath of such a tragic event."
Arday had faced allegations that he plagiarised parts of his PhD thesis and other academic research, as well as questions over claims he had made about his life story.
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He acknowledged errors in his academic work but denied plagiarism.
Some of the coverage has subsequently come under particular criticism for the language used to describe him.
The Sun referred to Arday as a "plagiarism prof", while Telegraph headlines described him as "Cambridge's diversity poster boy" and a "Cambridge fantasist".
The Spectator reportedly published 21 pieces about Arday in the space of 21 days, including one headlined: "The fantastical truth about Jason Arday".
The Good Law Project has launched a campaign calling for an inquiry, describing his death in a letter as a "direct, foreseeable and foreseen result of press harassment".
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The campaign has been backed by public figures including Labour MP Diane Abbott, actor Himesh Patel and photographer Harriman, with a petition attracting more than 88,000 signatures.
Labour MP Dawn Butler has separately written to IPSO chief executive Charlotte Dewar arguing that the case "goes far beyond the standard complaints process".
The upsurge in complaints comes as thousands gathered in Trafalgar Square on Monday evening to pay tribute to Arday and celebrate his life.
Stand Up to Racism, which organised the vigil, estimated around 30,000 people attended.
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Emotional speeches were delivered by MPs, campaigners and friends of Arday before those gathered observed a minute's silence.
Bell Ribeiro-Addy, the local MP for Arday’s family in Clapham and Brixton Hill, read a statement from Arday’s family to conclude the vigil, which said: “The public cruelty Jason was subjected to was too much for any man to bear. The outpouring of love, support, and grief since his death means so much to us.
“Although it is bittersweet now, kindness is needed in life, not just in death.”
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