Residents of a ‘quiet’ Oxford neighbourhood were left shocked and astounded after a dead body was discovered nearby.

At around 4.49pm on Saturday, September 28, Thames Valley Police attended the River Thames near Heyford Hill Lane, Littlemore following a report from the public.

Officers found a body of a man at the scene, subsequently informing his next of kin who are now being supported by specially trained officers.

A fire engine as well as ambulances were also seen racing to the scene last month in what is a typically quiet neighbourhood according to residents, leaving neighbours taken aback.

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The River Thames next to Heyford Hill Lane in Littlemore.The River Thames next to Heyford Hill Lane in Littlemore. (Image: Newsquest)

One Heyford Hill Lane homeowner said: “I’ve been here 30 years and nothing like this has ever happened.

“We saw two police officers walking around the road and area when it happened.

“We heard on the day that someone had died.”

Another neighbour added: “That is so shocking! I saw police and a fire engine race down there at the time but had no idea what was going on.

“It’s a really quiet area and that nature reserve is lovely near the water.

“I’m just really shocked, awful news.”

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Heyford Hill Lane residents have been left shocked by the news.Heyford Hill Lane residents have been left shocked by the news. (Image: Google Maps)

“I’ve been here over 25 years and this sort of thing is unheard of,” said a longstanding resident of the area.

“We saw ambulances and police rushing down Heyford Hill Lane and it was all very hectic.

“I didn’t know that someone had died until I read it today.”

Another local added: “I am astounded I didn’t hear anything.

“I’ve been here decades and we’ve never had a major police incident as it’s a quiet neighbourhood.

“My reaction is simply one of shock!”

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The death has now sparked a fresh police appeal for witnesses as officers continue to investigate the death.

A 36-year-old man from Oxford has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and robbery and was released on police bail on Saturday, October 5. 

Detective inspector Krista Thompson, based at Oxford Police Station, said: “We are investigating the circumstances of this death, which is currently being treated as unexplained.

“While these incidents will no doubt cause concern to people in and around Oxford, I’d like to reassure people that we are conducting a full and thorough investigation.

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The River Thames near where the body was found.The River Thames near where the body was found. (Image: Newsquest)

“From our initial enquiries, we believe that the deceased may have entered the water near St. Clements around September 19.

“We are trying to establish his last movements prior to entering the water.

“I would particularly like to speak to a man and a woman who spoke to two men on bikes along the towpath close to the wooded area near Angel and Greyhound Meadows.

“If you were in the area between 12pm and 3pm on September 19 and have any information about this incident, please call 101 quoting the reference number 43240467094.”

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