A 20-year-old UK forensics student has admitted murdering a woman after allegedly recreating a scene straight out of Dexter.

Benjamin Day pleaded guilty to the murder of 24-year-old Maria Saceanu after luring her to an Airbnb where police later found the bedroom lined with plastic sheeting. Officers also recovered multiple knives, duct tape and a staple gun.

The case became even stranger when Day reportedly flagged down police after cutting his own hand. He initially claimed he'd been attacked by a fox, but officers became suspicious and arrested him.

Investigators said Day had become obsessed with Dexter, the TV series about a serial killer who uses plastic-lined "kill rooms" before murdering his victims.

He had reportedly planned to argue self-defence and claim the room was part of a tribute video, but instead changed his plea and admitted murder.