A university student is in a critical condition after a fall from a Castle St flat in Dunedin overnight.

Sergeant Matt Lee, of Dunedin, said police and Hato Hone St John’s responded to a Castle St address at 10.10pm after reports a male had fallen off a roof.

He said there had been a small gathering at the address when the group went onto the roof to take a photo.

“A 19-year-old male lost his balance, slid, and fell from the two-story-high roof to the footpath below.”

“The male was transported to Dunedin Public Hospital by St John’s,” he said.

Hato Hone St John said it sent an ambulance and a rapid response vehicle to Castle St North just after 10pm and took a person to Dunedin Hospital.

Police are making inquiries.

The Herald understands the person fell from the roof of the Big Red flat.

A University of Otago spokesperson this afternoon said staff were supporting the student, his whānau and students to ensure they had the care and assistance they needed.

“Our thoughts are with the student and his whānau during this extremely difficult time,” the spokesperson said.

“Out of respect for the privacy of this young man and his whānau, the university will not be providing further information.”

Castle St this morning. Photo / Ben Tomsett

Castle St is home to many University of Otago student flats, including Big Red, on the corner of Dundas St, which has three six-bedroom flats.

The Herald understands that the flat hosted a small gathering of rugby friends last night.

The area is quiet this morning, with broken glass on the ground.

Residents were reluctant to talk to the Herald this morning, saying the university had advised them that they don’t have to.