Oxford woman dies during incident along Cowley Road

A large emergency services presence was called to Cowley Road at around 3pm on Thursday, March 19.

Among those in attendance was armed officers as well as paramedics.

READ MORE: Police ‘very concerned’ about missing 34-year-old Oxford man

One anonymous eyewitness told this newspaper: “There were three police cars, armed police officers, four ambulances and a critical care unit.

“The roads were gridlocked, and there were around eight paramedics at the side of the road performing CPR.”

Thames Valley Police was asked for further details on the situation, with officers confirming on Friday morning that a woman had died at the scene.

A spokesman for the force said: “This was the death of a woman in her 60s due to a medical episode.”

Explaining as to why an armed police presence was at the scene, the spokesman added: “When they are not responding to our highest‑risk calls and firearms incidents, our firearms officers carry out patrols in towns and cities and support local policing.

“On this occasion, while on patrol, they came across a medical incident and provided first aid.

“Although they routinely carry firearms as part of their role, this was not an incident where armed officers were specifically deployed.”

Police added that no further details would be provided on the incident.

Reader Donna Craig said in a tribute: “RIP so sorry and condolences to family and friends.”