A transport group has issued an urgent plea to the public following the 'tragic' death of a man who fell on a bus in Oxford city centre.

The 37-year-old died in hospital last Thursday (October 31) after he suffered serious injuries in a fall on a bus near the Westgate Centre in Castle Street on October 26.

Thames Valley Police, South Central Ambulance and Thames Valley Air Ambulance attended the scene. 

Police have confirmed an investigation is going into the incident and specially trained family liaison officers are supporting the man’s family.

Oxford Bus Company described the incident as 'tragic' and said it is assisting the police with their inquiries, as well as providing wellbeing support to the driver.

The man fell on an Oxford Bus Company bus  (Image: Oxford Bus Company) Bus Users Oxford, the independent representative of bus passengers in Oxfordshire, shared its condolences and urged any witnesses to give a statement to the police. 

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Hugh Jaeger, chair of the group, said: "Bus Users Oxford offers its condolences to the family and friends of the man who has died after falling and being injured on a bus in Oxford.

"As the investigation continues, we hope that every passenger who was on the bus at the time of the incident, or shortly before, has given a witness statement to police.

"The CCTV recordings that Oxford Bus Co has given to the police will be a great help, but witness statements can add things that CCTV may not have recorded.

"We note that the police say the man's death is 'unexplained', and 'not suspicious'.

"Therefore we urge people to await the Coroner's inquest, and in the meantime to make no assumption about what caused the man to fall and be fatally injured.

The incident happened near the Westgate CentreThe incident happened near the Westgate Centre (Image: Newsquest) "A family and friends are grieving. Respect for their needs and feelings must remain paramount."

City councillor for Osney and St Thomas, Susanna Pressell, said: "What an absolutely terrible thing to happen. The poor man and his family. It doesn't bear thinking of. 

"There are notices in many of the buses now that say 'Stay seated until the bus has stopped'.

"I have never bothered in the past, but perhaps I will from now on."

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A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: "Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the family and friends of the man who has died.

"The man’s death is being treated as unexplained, but not suspicious, and file will be prepared for the Oxfordshire Coroner."

Oxford Bus Company said its thoughts and condolences are with the man's family and friends at this 'incredibly difficult time'. 

A spokesperson added: “We are continuing to assist Thames Valley Police with their inquiries into this tragic incident and we are providing wellbeing support to our driver.”

The family do not wish to provide a tribute.

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