Four Malaysian men are reported to have confessed to killing two British medical students following an alcohol-fuelled argument.

Murder detectives say the four now face the death penalty.

Aidan Brunger, 22, who is from Gillingham, and another man, Neil Dalton, were both said to have been murdered after a night out in Borneo.

They were found with stab wounds following a confrontation with a group of four local men in the city of Kuching.

Both are said to be were students at Newcastle University, with Mr Brunger a former pupil of Rainham Mark Grammar School in Rainham.

They had been out celebrating the completion of a six-week stint at Sarawack General Hospital in Kuching.

The university's acting vice-chancellor Professor Tony Stevenson said in a statement: "We were informed this morning of the very sad news that two of our fourth-year medical students working at a hospital in Kuching, Borneo, have been tragically killed.

"Neil Dalton and Aidan Brunger, both 22, were on a six-week work placement, along with five other medical students, to put the skills they had learnt during their time here at the university into practice.

"This has come as a huge shock to us all and our thoughts are with their families and friends at this very difficult time.

"Two of our members of staff are flying out to Kuching as soon as possible and we are working closely with the British high commissioner to support the other students and to co-ordinate their return to the UK."

Chai Khin Chung, Sarawak's deputy police chief said: "All the four men have admitted to the crime. We are investigating them for murder."

Yesterday, Deputy Insp General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Bakri Mohd Zinin said the suspects aged in their 30s were caught in Kuching.

He told the Malaysia Times: “We believe the incident stemmed from a quarrel while both victims were at an entertainment centre in Kuching.

"We are investigating the motive."

But it now appears students had been warned about going out at night after fellow students had been attacked in a bar just days before.

The hospital where the two had been working is now providing counselling to other students.

Gillingham and Rainham MP Rehman Chishti said: "We are still learning what happened, but I have contacted the consular office to ensure that everything is being done to support the families at this difficult time and to ensure justice is carried out.

"Aidan studied medicine to save lives and to help others but unfortunately his own life has been taken from us in such a shocking incident.”

People have expressed their shock and sadness at the two students' deaths.

Tory Cliff wrote on Twitter: ''RIP Neil Dalton and Aidan Brunger. Two medical students out to do good in the world, taken from it. So sad.''

On the Facebook page for Elective Students of Sarawak General Hospital, Don Shinobi said: "It is tragic these two young and promising lives were cut short.

"I did my elective in Kuching seven years ago and had a wonderful time, only meeting lovely people. My heart goes out to the friends and family of the two deceased."

In the incident about 4am, the victims were found dead with stab wounds. Their remains were sent to the Sarawak General Hospital.

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