The body of Rawlings, 50, was found at the Oxfordshire home of Sivia, 49, in Southmoor late on Wednesday night.

The British police believe that the pair had an argument after returning to Sivia's house following a meal at a local pub. Both Rawlings and Sivia were said to be friends for many years.

A post-mortem examination carried out on Rawlings has proved inconclusive, the police said, adding that Sivia remained in custody.

The Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University, Prof Andrew Hamilton said, "The entire University community has been profoundly saddened and shocked by the tragic and untimely death of Professor Steve Rawlings. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Sivia's website says, "My research interests revolve around the application of Bayesian probability theory to all sorts of data analysis, mainly in the physical sciences, and I have published a tutorial book on the subject."

Rawlings was based at St Peter's College, whose Master, Mark Damazer, said: "He was one of the lead scientists in the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project and also played a prominent role in the redevelopment of the Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station in Cornwall as a radio astronomy facility".

Damazer added, "He was a much-liked and admired tutor and colleague within the college and will be greatly missed. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Linda."

Detective Superintendent Rob Mason said, "The investigation is still in the early stages and we are endeavouring to establish what has happened in the house and we are keeping an open mind until all our enquiries are concluded".