Witney: Neighbours reveal shock as teenager found dead

Police are investigating the "unexplained" death of a boy who has not been named who was found dead at home.

Emergency services raced to an address in Witney High Street at around 6.30am on Thursday, August 10.

Onlookers were left wondering why there was such a large presence of blue light services and a coroner. 

When the emergency services arrived at the property they found the body of the teenage boy. 

A member of staff at a nearby shop, who did not want to be named, said: “There were three ambulances and six police officers.

"Since then police have been at the door of the Pottery Place for four days, day and night.”

Witney High Street

Another shop worker who works near by said: “It’s incredibly sad. We saw what was happening but we felt it right to keep out of the way."

A witness told the Oxford Mail: "There was a large police presence and police asked us to stay away while the incident was ongoing so we did."

Many shared their feelings of sadness for the family online with some "in shock" at the "absolutely heartbreaking" news.

One commented on the Witney Gazette Facebook page: "How terribly sad. Too many young people dying before their time. Thoughts are with his family."

Another said: "Oh my, this is awful! Thoughts are with family and friends."

Councillor Andrew Coles, Oxfordshire County and West Oxfordshire District councillor for Witney Central, said: "I was shocked and saddened to hear of this dreadful incident, my heart goes out to all the family and friends who are suffering in the most unimaginable way."

He added: "I am grateful for the skill and professionalism of all the emergency services involved and to everyone in the community for their patience and understanding as the authorities go about their investigations.

"Witney is still a very close community and incidents like this effect and impact on us all."

Police are now investigating the boy's death which is not being treated as suspicious.

Thames Valley Police said in a statement: “Officers were called to a residence in High Street Witney, at around 6.30am on Thursday (August 10).

"Sadly a teenage boy was found deceased.

"His next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them.

"The boy’s death is being treated as unexplained and at this stage there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”