Oxford News
Burford woman found dead near river after 10 days missing
Caroline Heininger, 66, was reported missing from Burford on Wednesday, August 5, after being spotted walking down a road in the West Oxfordshire village at about 5.30am.
A huge effort to find her was undertaken by the emergency services, with Thames Valley Police deploying around 200 officers and the National Police Air Service sending out multiple helicopters to assist in the search, alongside Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire.
But the search was brought to a tragic conclusion on Saturday, August 15, as police officers discovered a body believed to be Ms Heininger by the River Windrush.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We have some very sad news to bring you. Officers searching for a missing woman, Caroline from Burford, have sadly found a body near to the River Windrush, Burford this morning.
“The discovery was made following extensive searches by our officers and volunteers from Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire.
“Although formal identification has not yet taken place, we believe the body to be that of Caroline, aged 66.
“Her next of kin has been informed, and our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.
“We would like to that the community who came together to share the appeals for Caroline. We would also like to thank Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire for their support in assisting our officers with searches since Caroline was reported missing.
“The death is currently being treated as unexplained but not suspicious, and a file will be prepared for HM coroner.”
Hundreds of people responded to the three public appeal Thames Valley Police made for information on the missing woman’s whereabouts, which was shared widely on social media and inspired local groups to organise search parties.
During the course of the search, Ms Heininger’s family released a message to those looking for her.
They said: “Caroline is loved dearly by her husband, children, dog (Archie) and her many friends. We are all willing her safe return home.
“We would like to express their deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the search efforts so far and would encourage anyone who has information to come forward.”
Messages of condolence have since been posted on social media in response to the tragic news.
Ms Heininger was last seen and pictured by CCTV on the A40 opposite Burford Lodge in Burford at around 5.27am on August 5, but the police did not report any further sightings of her in the 10 days she was missing.
Urgent efforts to find her included extensive rural searches and enquiries across a wide area, CCTV enquiries and the review of information provided by locals, and collaboration with specialist volunteers from Lowland Rescue.
The closure affects the route between the A420 and Coxwell Road near Great Coxwell to allow for carriageway widening and the construction of a new signal-controlled junction.
The closure, in effect 24 hours a day, will begin on September 7, 2026, and is expected to remain in place until April 16, 2027.
An alternative route will be signposted via the A420, London Street, Coxwell Street, and Coxwell Road.
The order, issued by Oxfordshire County Council under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, will remain in force for up to 18 months if necessary.
Exemptions are included for emergency vehicles, and signage will be in place to advise drivers of the closure.
The coffee dispenser at the Headington Waitrose is out of order and not for the first time according to reports, leaving customers disappointed they can no longer access their free cappuccino or flat white using their Waitrose card.
The Headington News said: “The Headington Waitrose free coffee machine is out of order again today (Saturday 29 August).”
READ MORE: Support for King Charles as multiple UK politicians have historic honour removed
The notice on the machine at the store in Old High Street says: “The coffee machine is currently out of order. Apologies for the inconvenience.”
The issue is not a universal problem – coffee machines at other Waitrose stores are working well.
The Waitrose chain, owned by the John Lewis Partnership, restored its free coffee offer in January 2025.
Following outrage over the withdrawal of the offer during the pandemic, the company told the nine million members on its My Waitrose loyalty scheme they would again be entitled to a complementary americano, cappuccino, latte or tea once a day regardless of whether they bought anything – as long as they have their own reusable cup.
In a statement, Waitrose said at the time: “Some of our My Waitrose members like to have the free coffee before they shop or during the shop, rather than afterwards, so we are just offering a bit of flexibility in response to customer feedback.”
READ MORE: UK acting legend, 67, spotted filming new TV series by Oxford Uni landmark
There were queues at coffee stations and complaints from customers that the offer was attracting the “wrong type of shopper” when Waitrose introduced the perk in 2013.
In 2017, it cracked down on ‘freeloaders’ by forcing members to buy something before pouring themselves a free hot drink.
The scheme was scrapped during the Covid crisis, but reintroduced in November 2022 – again for customers making a purchases. This is no longer a requirement.
Thames Valley Police has launched an investigation after a pigeon was killed in a wildlife crime incident in Plover Drive, Oxford, at around 6.50pm on August 24.
The force said that two teenage boys used a catapult to knock a pigeon from a tree before the bird was attacked by three smaller terrier-type dogs that were with them.
READ MORE: Oxford probe launched after ‘shocking assault’ of 60-year-old by teen boys
Descriptions of the two boys have been released with the first described as wearing a black sleeveless vest, dark-coloured bottoms, black trainers with white soles.
In addition he had a black-and-white flat-peaked cap worn backwards and was believed to have been carrying a catapult.
The second was reportedly wearing a light-coloured T-shirt and blue jeans, with brown, medium-length hair.
He was also seen carrying an unidentified item.
A spokesperson for the police said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed this incident or who may recognise those involved from the descriptions above.
READ MORE: Police race to ‘fear for welfare’ incident by Oxford BMW factory
“We would also like to hear from anyone with dashcam footage from the Plover Drive area between 6.30pm and 7pm on 24 August that may assist our investigation.
“Wildlife crime has a real impact on our communities, and we take reports of offences against wild animals and birds seriously.
” If you have any information, please contact the force on 101 or report online, quoting reference 43260448136.”
‘Without us, no wheel would turn’: the unsung heroes keeping England’s transport moving | Business
Train drivers secure 3.6% pay rise after threat of strikes on busy UK routes | Rail transport
Oxfordshire road between the A420 and Coxwell Road to close
-
Oxford News3 weeks agoTrain cancellation alert amid ‘fault’ near London Paddington
-
Oxford News2 weeks agoMuseum evacuated and Oxford University closed amid incident
-
Business & Technology4 weeks agoMuscle Food at risk of closing after entering administration
-
Business & Technology4 weeks agoBritish Business Bank backs PhysicsX with USD $25 million
-
Business & Technology4 weeks agoNuggit launches GBP £5 million fund for UK YouTubers
-
Business & Technology4 weeks agoHistoric town faces series of high street shop closures
-
Student Life4 weeks agoMy year of rest and rustication
-
Student Life4 weeks agoAcademic tourism: Oxford University and its summer schools