Wood Farm residents spoke of their shock following the alleged murder of a 59-year-old man, found near a children’s play area in the estate.

The man, who was discovered shortly after 6am on Wednesday morning, was said by police to have suffered a wound to the head. He was taken to hospital in a critical condition but sadly died.

An 18-year-old Oxford man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody.

One woman, 30s, who did not want to give her name but who lives opposite the park where the man was found, told the Oxford Mail: “It’s shocking when you wake up, look out the window and see police tape everywhere.” 

READ MORE: Police statement in full after man dies in 'targeted attack'

Another woman, 42, who has lived in Wood Farm for two decades, told the Oxford Mail: “It’s scary but it’s just occurring more often.” Her mother, who answered the door, said of the police presence: “It’s shocking. Absolutely shocking.”

A student, living near where the man was found, said: “It’s quite frightening, to be honest. There was a stabbing a few weeks ago in the park.”

Matthew Clare, 48, said of the police incident: “It’s not the first time and I doubt it’s going to be the last. It’s the second attack in the park this month.”

Asked what action the authorities should take in response, he said: “Get the local bobbies back – more bobbies on the street.”

READ MORE: Flowers left at scene of alleged murder

There had previously been a policing point by the shops on the estate, he added. “We used to have two decent bobbies up here all the time and we knew where they were. Now, we don’t know whether they’re in Cowley, Oxford or Abingdon.”

Clare, 34, who asked not to give her full name, called for more money to be put into the area. Neighbouring estates like Blackbird Leys and Barton had youth facilities or swimming pools. “Wood Farm’s got nothing; we’ve got a bunch of shops where teenage lads and older lads hang around.”

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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @t_seaward