Police found the body of a woman in public toilets on West Bar Street, close to Banbury Cross, after being called to the site at around 8.20am on Saturday, May 23. Thames Valley Police said the death is being treated as unexplained, and the woman had not been identified.
A cordon was put in place outside the lavatories near the 16-metre Banbury Cross, a neo-Gothic monument built in 1859 to mark the wedding of Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter. The landmark sits close to the spot referenced in the nursery rhyme Ride a cock-horse to Banbury Cross, which made the scene feel especially stark for people passing through the town centre on Saturday morning.
A police spokeswoman said: “At around 8.20am this morning (23/5), we were made aware of an unexpected death in Banbury.” She added: “Officers attended the public toilets on West Bar Street, close to the Banbury Cross, and sadly found the body of a woman.” The spokeswoman said: “We are still in the initial stages of this investigation, and the woman has not yet been identified.”
The force asked anyone with information to call 101 and quote reference 43260255904. After the discovery, the Oxford Mail and Bicester Advertiser opened a book of condolence.
The unanswered question now is basic but urgent: who the woman was, and what led to her death in a public place at the heart of Banbury. Until investigators identify her and establish the circumstances, the cordon and the appeal for information are the clearest signs that this case is still at its start.
