Mystery surrounds the death of an elderly man who was found with multiple head injuries in Oxford city centre shortly after midnight.

Paramedics were called to the junction between St Aldates and Speedwell Street, near Oxford’s main police station, at around 12.05am today.<<thurs>> The man suffered multiple head injuries and was declared dead at the scene and the road was closed for seven hours by police investigating the cause of the death.

The dead man, who has not been named, was described as elderly, white and around 5ft 7ins tall.

He was wearing brown trousers, a blue shirt, a cream jumper and a grey anorak with a wide brown stripe down the arms a brown flat cap and carrying a white plastic bag.

Sgt Mark Ponting, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are currently trying to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident, so I would ask anyone who may have been in the area at the time to come forward.

“We would especially like to hear from four women who were stood near to the scene and the driver of a white stretch limousine, as they may be able to help us with our inquiries. We would also like to hear from any bus drivers that may have driven through that area of the city at the time.”

A spokesman for Oxford Bus Company said the firm has been contacted by police but denied earlier reports the man was struck by one of their buses.

The spokesman added: “It appears that the deceased had been lying in the road before our vehicle travelled along Speedwell Street.

“We are co-operating fully with police inquiries, and cannot give any further details whilst these are under way.”

Stagecoach spokesman Chris Child has so far not commented on the reports a bus was involved.

Anyone with information should contact police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.