THE University of Worcester's vice-chancellor has signed an open letter warning higher education investment faces a hit under Brexit.

Professor David Green has joined 103 other university heads in adding his name to a note expressing deep concern about the crunch referendum vote.

Professor Green, a strong backer of the EU, says he felt compelled to sign it because the risks to universities are too great.

He said: "In my judgement, there is no doubt being in the EU is better for jobs, social and health services, housing, education opportunities and every major consideration which looms large in our everyday family considerations.

"This year the University of Worcester has educated students drawn from every country in the European Union except Luxembourg.

“These students have made a most positive contribution - they have brought energy, intellect, friendship and finance.

"They have made studying at the university a richer experience for all our students, the great majority of whom are British."

He added: "When I was a student, Spain, Portugal and Greece were all ruled by fascist dictators.

"Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Romania, Hungary, East Germany all suffered under authoritarian communist regimes whilst the independent countries of Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia had all been absorbed into the then Soviet Union.

"As the peoples of these countries threw off oppression it was to the European Union that they turned for the guarantee of democracy.

"Very sadly some involved in the referendum campaign have created an atmosphere which is the very opposite of the British tradition of democratic, human values which is so rightly admired around the world.

"It's essential we protect and prize the opportunity for all citizens to discuss, agree and disagree on matters of political and social direction of all kinds in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance and respect."

The letter states: "We believe that leaving Europe would create a difficult environment for the long-term investment in higher education and research that is necessary for the UK to maintain its position as a highly skilled and a globally competitive knowledge economy."