Oxford News
Death near Abingdon at river lock car park ‘not suspicious’
Residents were shocked to learn of the man’s death near Culham Lock earlier this month.
The man in his 50s died on Tollgate Road, Culham, on Monday, April 6, police confirmed on Wednesday, April 8.
READ MORE: Culham residents shocked by man’s death
Thames Valley Police officers were called to a ‘fear for welfare’ incident at about 4.35am on Easter Monday, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
A spokesman for the force said on Monday: “There are no updates on this incident.”
Police cordons blocked entry to Culham Lock car park on the River Thames for most of the day on Easter Monday, with a heavy police presence and a blue tent erected in the car park.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “We were called at around 4.35am on Monday, April 6, to Tollgate Road, following reports of a concern for welfare.
“Emergency services attended but sadly a man aged in his 50s was pronounced deceased at the scene.
“His death is being treated as unexplained, but not suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.
“His family have been informed and are being supported.”
Police confirmed the man was found in a vehicle, not in the water, and a black four-by-four vehicle was later recovered from the scene.
Sam Casey-Rerhaye, South Oxfordshire district councillor and a Culham parish councillor, said: “It’s really very sad news and the residents are very shocked and saddened to hear about it. The area is well used for access to the river and walks.
“I and my fellow parish councillors send our condolences to his friends and family.”
One woman who lives in Culham, but did not want to be named, said it was “frightening” to see such a large police incident in what was usually a quiet village.
She said there were a lot of locals stood around staring, and the lock keeper was stood “with his hands on his head”.
The eyewitness added that not knowing the nature of the incident initially left local people worried. Thames Valley Police issued a statement on April 8.
She added: “It is such a beautiful public area we use and walk around every day, and now it is making us not want to go down there out of fear of what might occur.
“It has been extremely distressing to my younger sister who couldn’t sleep last night due to being worried and having full sight of what happened.
“When I was walking down, there was full visibility of the scene and police stood around.
“While I understand it is another day on the job for them, it was very distressing to locals who of course rarely if ever experience something like this in somewhere like Culham.”
Culham Lock is managed by the Environment Agency and dates back to 1809.
The incident took place on Tuesday (June 9) in the car park of The Beacon in Wantage.
A 34-year-old man was arrested, charged, and remanded for possession with intent to supply, and his vehicle was seized.
This was after 32 wraps of Class A drugs and a “significant amount of cash” were found on him.
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Thames Valley Police posted an update on their South Oxon and Vale of White Horse Facebook page this morning (Monday, June 15).
The statement said: “On June 9, 2026, our team was out looking for a vehicle that had recently piqued our interest. We located it in the car park of The Beacon.
“Now, he might have been there to pick up tickets for the open mic night, Rory Bremner, or even Noasis (who are there next week and apparently very good), but it was far more likely he was there to deal.
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“A search confirmed our suspicions: 32 wraps of Class A and a significant amount of cash were found on him.
“Thanks to previous chases, we blocked him in early and ensured he was safely detained.
“A 34‑year‑old male from outside the area was arrested, charged, and remanded for Possession With Intent to Supply. The vehicle was seized.”
The incident occurred at around 2pm yesterday (June 13), a white and blue BMW motorcycle and a grey Audi A3 were involved in a collision.
This was near the junction of B480 Watlington Road and Pettiwell, and Thames Valley Police officers attended the scene.
There was a large emergency response with the South-Central Ambulance Service and the “Helicopter Emergency Medical Service” also present.
READ MORE: Young child hit by car and man arrested in ‘harrowing’ incident
Police say that the rider of the motorcycle was a man in his 40s and that he sustained serious life-threatening injuries.
He remains in hospital receiving treatment at this current time, Thames Valley Police informs.
The driver of the grey Audi A3 has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving whilst over the specified limit for drugs.
From Wallingford, the 51-year-old man has been released under investigation whilst enquiries continue.
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Thames Valley Police is now appealing for witnesses following the serious road traffic collision in Garsington.
Investigating officer, PC Kerrie Ingham of the Roads Policing Unit said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the members of the public and the medical staff who stopped to assist.
“We are carrying out a thorough investigation into the circumstances of this collision, with a man being arrested at the scene shortly after police arrived, in attendance with paramedics from SCAS and HEMS.
“I would particularly like to hear from anyone who witnessed the grey Audi A3 driving northbound to the junction of B480 Watlington Road and Pettiwell prior to the collision.
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“I would also like to hear from anyone who witnessed the white and blue BMW motorcycle driving southbound towards the junction of the B480 Watlington Road and Pettiwell prior to the collision.
“If you saw either of these vehicles prior to the collision, or have dash-cam footage at around the time of the incident, please come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Thames Valley Police by calling 101 or submitting a report via the website, quoting reference number 43260296300.
Alternatively, you can report this anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Nestled just off Burford’s sloping High Street, The Angel at Burford stands on Witney Street in a 17th-century stone building that has welcomed locals and travellers for generations.
Records and local guides trace the inn back to around 1652, and much of that period charm remains in place today, with low ceilings, original oak beams and thick stone walls creating an intimate atmosphere inside.
Open fireplaces, polished brass and traditional pub furnishings add to the sense of history, giving drinkers and diners an authentic coaching-inn feel in the heart of the market town.
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Over recent years, the pub has developed into an award-winning gastropub with rooms, picking up plaudits while still functioning as a relaxed local for residents.
With a proud Hook Norton Brewery sign outside, the bar within features a line-up of the Oxfordshire brewer’s cask ales.
Separate dining areas offer a mix of cosy corners and larger tables, allowing the kitchen to serve seasonal menus that focus on classic pub dishes, Cotswold produce and modern gastropub favourites.
Beyond the interior, one of the standout attractions is the outdoor space, which is easy to miss from the street.
READ MORE: Inside refurbished Cotswolds country pub with enticing new menu
From the front bar, customers head along a corridor towards the rear of the building before emerging into a surprisingly spacious beer garden hidden behind the main frontage.
A high stone wall and surrounding buildings shelter this area, creating a secluded, almost secret walled garden that feels far removed from the bustle of Burford’s busy centre.
Landscaping has introduced planting, stone paving and plenty of wooden tables, so there is ample room for larger groups as well as quieter spots for couples and families.
Because the garden is fully enclosed and set back from the High Street, traffic noise quickly fades, so people can sit and chat in relative quiet while still being only a short walk from the centre of Burford.
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On a warm Cotswolds afternoon, the garden becomes a suntrap, with visitors able to sit among the greenery and enjoy a pint of Hooky or a meal in the open air.
Many first-time guests comment on the contrast between the modest street view and the generous outdoor space tucked away at the back, making the garden a particular draw in spring and summer.
Accommodation above the pub provides a small number of letting rooms, giving people the chance to stay overnight in Burford, often described as the “Gateway to the Cotswolds”.
Combining centuries of history, traditional interiors, brewery links and a picturesque hidden beer garden, The Angel continues to serve as a popular stop-off for both local drinkers and tourists exploring this part of Oxfordshire.
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