MYSTERY surrounds the death of a pensioner who was out cycling in a West Oxfordshire village.

Norman Vickery, 74, died from massive internal injuries after falling from his bike in Shilton.

Police are not sure whether he lost control of his bike or he was in collision with a vehicle. They are also investigating whether he was partially sighted.

Witney Police spokesman, Janet Malcolmson, said: "It is a potentially serious accident if a vehicle hit him in any way. At this stage we cannot tell what happened."

Mr Vickery, of Lavender Place, Carterton, was out riding his cycle on the B4020 Burford road just before 11am on Monday.

About a mile and a half from his home he turned left at the notorious "Shilton Dip", an accident blackspot, and cycled down the hill towards Shilton village.

Police believe he lost control of the bicycle and crashed into the wall of a house. Residents telephoned the emergency services.

He was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, where he died from internal injuries yesterday morning. He leaves a widow Lillian and a daughter.

Ms Malcolmson added: "The circumstances in which the accident occured remain unclear. We are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen what happened."

Mr Vickery had been a volunteer helper at Carterton's day centre. It is understood he worked as a telephone operator before retirement.

Peggy Timms, 76, of Shilton Road, Carterton, said: "He was a lovely fellow. I understand he was partially sighted. It's an awful accident."

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