A man who died after the driver of a stolen car left him lying injured at the side of a dark country lane was named today by police.

Graphic designer Christopher Oulds, 36, of Hailles Gardens, Bicester, was killed as he walked in the unlit country lane between Somerton and Ardley, between midnight and 5am on Saturday.

The red Austin Maestro, registration number A796 RVV, had been stolen from Somerville Drive, Bicester, shortly before the incident. It was later found burned out in Lower Heyford.

Mr Oulds, a single man who worked for a graphic design company Succubus, in Fritwell, near Bicester, was found by a passing cyclist who called police.

His parents were flying from New Zealand to organise the funeral.

Pc Andy Cadd, the investigating officer, said: "We want to know if anybody was seen with this red Maestro during the night, in the area between Bicester and Hopcrofts Holt.

"The driver of the stolen car must have known somebody was hit, so it was a callous and calculated decision not to call the emergency services."

Information can be passed to Bicester traffic police on 01869 364892 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

An inquest was being formally opened and adjourned today.

Story date: Monday 11 October

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