Norfolk's two universities could suffer "severe consequences" if further restrictions on international students are introduced, an MP has warned.

Norwich South MP Clive Lewis has written to the government urging caution over making further changes to visa arrangements for overseas students.

It comes after home secretary James Cleverly commissioned a review of the visa route for graduate students - which allows students to remain in the country for at least two years after completing their course.

Published this month, the review from the government's migration advisory committee recommended the route remain unchanged - but a final decision on changes is yet to be made.

But in a letter to Mr Cleverly, the Labour MP has urged the home secretary to heed the committee's call.

He said: "I have written to the government to voice my concerns and will monitor this situation closely and represent the education institutions that play an essential role in Norwich."

Both Norfolk's universities - the University of East Anglia and Norwich University of the Arts - are in Mr Lewis' constituency.

In his letter, he wrote: "Any further restrictions could lead to severe consequences for higher education institutions in Norwich, and for economic stability across the country."

His calls have been backed by the University of East Anglia, which has become increasingly reliant on international students in recent years.

A spokesman for the UEA said: "With the report recommending that the government maintains the graduate route in its current form, we await news this week as to whether, as we hope, this has been accepted.

"This would be a move which will encourage more international students to apply to UEA and accept our offers.

"As a university, we are immensely proud of our diverse community and the positive impact it has, not only for us but across Norwich and the wider region.

"We know that international students also contribute significantly more than £1bn of income to the east of England."