Oxford News
Man found dead near Oxford city centre church named for the first time
A number of emergency vehicles turned up on Oxford High Street, outside the church and the Radcliffe Camera, at around 10.10am on Tuesday, March 10.
Thames Valley Police later confirmed that a man in his 50s had died after a ‘fear for welfare’ incident.
Local people reported at least three police cars, an ambulance and a forensics team.
Cordons were put in place on the entrances to Catte Street and St Mary’s Passage, either side of the city centre church, and on paths by the Radcliffe Camera at the back of the church on Radcliffe Square.
The man has been named as Russell Bretherton, 52, who lived in Oxford.
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An inquest was opened into Mr Bretherton’s death at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court on March 25 by senior coroner Darren Salter.
The inquest record confirmed he died in the vicinity of St Mary the Virgin Church and that his cause of death was ‘massive trauma’.
A full inquest will be held into Mr Bretherton’s death at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court on June 30 at 2pm.
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson previously said: “We were called at around 10.10am today (March 10) following reports of a fear for welfare in High Street, Oxford.
“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.”
The University Church of St Mary the Virgin previously paid tribute to Mr Bretherton.
In statement issued on Friday, March 13, a spokesperson for the church said: “We are deeply saddened that a member of the public died outside the church.
“We are grateful to the emergency services who attended the scene and are supporting those affected.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the person’s family and loved ones at this very difficult time.”
On the Oxford Mail’s Book of Condolence, others also said their thoughts were with the man’s family and friends.
Hugh Mackay said: “So sad, condolences to family and friends.”
Joanna, who did not disclose her surname, said: “Sending so much love to all his family and friends.”
Lindsay McEwen turned up at the scene having received a message on his phone that it was somebody he knew from The Porch, a centre for homeless and vulnerably housed people.
The 63-year-old said: “I was shocked to be honest with you. I’m still taking it all in.”
Guy Scotece, the charity director at The Porch, did not confirm or deny that the man attended the centre.
He said: “It goes without saying, this is incredibly sad news and our thoughts and prayers go out to all friends and family.”
Three Year 10 pupils from Aureus School in Didcot travelled to London for the Royal Navy International Women’s Day event, held on HMS President during Careers Week and designed to showcase opportunities within the Royal Navy and beyond.
Students Antonia Pop, Ellie Swan and Tilly Mulvey are all taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.
Ellie Swan said: “It was fantastic to see the possible career paths within the Navy.”
Rob Hayden, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award manager at Aureus School, accompanied the students to the event.
He said: “During the day, students had talks from individuals within the Navy and from guest speakers, including Hannah Botterman, who last year won both the Rugby World Cup and the Six Nations with England.”
He said: “Students also had the chance to network with the speakers and other attendees.
“The event showed the students a wide range of inspirational females within the Navy and other careers.”
Aureus School, part of the GLF Schools multi-academy trust, says its vision is focused on ‘cultivating ambition’ and ‘high standards for all’.
Headteacher Kirsty Rogers says the Didcot-based co-educational comprehensive has undergone a ‘transformative journey’, creating a community where students feel a strong sense of belonging. She emphasises inclusivity, high expectations, and a broad curriculum that encourages ambition, resilience and respect, supported by dedicated staff and diverse extra-curricular opportunities.
The flights mark a major boost to the airport’s connectivity ahead of the budget airline’s record Summer 2026 schedule.
The new routes form part of Ryanair’s expanded Glasgow programme for Summer 2026, which will see the airline operate over 100 weekly flights across eight routes.
The new double-daily London Stansted service further strengthens Glasgow’s access to the English capital, while the launch of the Warsaw service enhances Glasgow’s international offering.
Jonathan Ford, portfolio manager at AGS Airports, said: “It’s fantastic to see Ryanair’s new services to London Stansted and Warsaw take off today.
“The double-daily Stansted route offers even more flexibility for business and leisure travellers heading to and from England’s innovation corridor, while Warsaw provides a valuable new link that expands the international connectivity available to our passengers.
“These launches mark the start of what will be a record summer for Ryanair at Glasgow, and we look forward to welcoming even more travellers through our doors.”
Last month, Ryanair launched its 2026 plan for Glasgow with 10 routes, including holiday hotspots like Lanzarote, Palma de Mallorca, and Tenerife, as well as city break destinations like Barcelona and Pisa.
The budget airline will also operate extra frequencies on its Alicante, Faro, Pisa, Malaga and Murcia routes.
The new schedule is underpinned by Ryanair’s two Glasgow Prestwick-based aircraft.
Thames Valley Police said it stopped a vehicle yesterday evening (Saturday March 28) after noting it had defective lights in Woodstock.
The car “smelt of cannabis” and following a “positive drugs test” the police arrested the motorist.
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A spokesperson for the the roads policing unit said they “stopped a vehicle this evening with defective lights in Woodstock”.
They added: “The vehicle smelt of cannabis. The driver provided a positive drug wipe and was arrested.”
Driving under the influence of drugs (drug driving) is a criminal offence and if found guilty, the driver could face an automatic driving ban, a hefty fine, and potential prison time.
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