A graduate from the University of Sussex has been named as one of the growing number of people reported missing amid the devastation in New York.

Relatives, friends and colleagues are anxiously waiting for news of Karlie Rogers, who studied German at the university.

Miss Rogers was due to take part in a conference hosted by the publishing company Risk Waters on the 106th floor of the World Trade Centre.

A university spokesman said: "The University of Sussex is shocked and saddened to hear reports that a Sussex graduate is missing following the terrible events in the USA.

"Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and to all those who have suffered in the attacks."

He said university staff, especially former tutors, still held out hope that Karlie, who was a student between 1993 and 1997, would be found alive and well.

Many students from the university have gone on to work in the United States in the past and staff fear more of their former graduates could be among the victims of the tragedy.

Dr Gavin Ashenden, a chaplain at Sussex University, said staff and students had only just heard that the former graduate had been reported missing.

He said all the university chaplains were holding a constant vigil for the victims of the atrocities in the United States and many American students were attending daily to light a candle for the people back home.

He said: "Now we know Karlie is among those reported missing, we will be praying for her and her family.

"We will pray for her as we have been praying for the many others every day."