A former University of Kent student has emerged as a hero of the Nairobi mall massacre following reports that he sacrificed himself to try and spare the lives of children.

Mitul Shah, 38, who graduated in management science and computing from the Canterbury campus, worked for a cooking oil company and was conducting a children's cookery contest when the terrorists struck.

It is believed he was trying to negotiate the release of children, giving some vital time to escape, before being shot dead himself. He was among 61 people murdered by the terrorists.

Today the University of Kent released a brief statement saying: "We are saddened to hear of the death of alumnus Mital Shah following the recent seige in Kenya. Our thoughts are with his family."

A Facebook tribute page has been set up by the company he worked for, Bidco Oil Refineries on which dozens of colleagues have left messages of sympathy.

Today a spokesman for his employers said: "He was a born leader and an inspiring soul loved by one and all."

Mr Shah, who was born in April 1975 in North London, held dual British and Kenyan citizenship.

After going to school in Kenya, he studied in Canterbury and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree.

He then joined Bidco Oil Refineries in Kenya as a management trainee and worked his way up to become a team leader in the marketing department.

Mr Shah, who lived in London, leaves a widow, Rupal, and two-year-old daughter Sarai.