MANAGERS at Oxford’s Carfax Tower, where a woman fell to her death, insisted last night the building met “all relevant safety standards”.

Patricia Stoute, 61, from Dunnock Way in Blackbird Leys, died after falling from the top of Carfax Tower, at the junction of Queen Street and Cornmarket Street, on Monday.

The tower’s owners, Oxford City Council and managers Guide Friday City Sightseeing yesterday held talks about the incident.

A spokesman said: “As the owner of Carfax Tower, Oxford City Council is satisfied the building meets all relevant safety standards.

“All aspects of health and safety are regularly reviewed in all of its public buildings.”

Police cordoned off the 74ft tower following the incident at 12.30pm while they investigated, but reopened the popular site to the public before 2pm.

Mrs Stoute narrowly missed passing shoppers in the busy street as she fell to her death, landing next to the Crabtree & Evelyn shop close to several telephone boxes.

Her death was confirmed on arrival at the John Radcliffe Hospital, in Headington.

The two organisations said they were saddened by the “tragic incident” and said the tower had reopened following advice from police.

“The council and Guide Friday City Sightseeing, hope to liaise through the police with Mrs Stoute’s family, regarding any gesture of respect that the family may request,” the spokesman added.

It is not clear what kind of gesture would be considered.

The council said it did not know of any similar events in the last 20 years at Carfax Tower.

Yesterday, a bouquet was left at the foot of the tower. A message attached to the flowers said: “God bless you our darling Pat!! We pray you are at peace now and alongside your father! You’re in our hearts, love Tracey B and family.”

Oxford Lord Mayor Mary Clarkson expressed her sympathies.

She said: “Our thoughts are with Mrs Stoute’s family and friends. Our thoughts are also with anyone who witnessed this tragedy.”

Thames Valley Police are not treating the death as suspicious.

Oxfordshire Coroner Nicholas Gardiner has been informed and a post mortem examination was due to have been carried out yesterday.

fbardsley@oxfordmail.co.uk