An individual who passed away following an occurrence close to a church in the centre of Oxford has been identified as proceedings got underway.

Emergency crews arrived at Oxford High Street, in front of the church and the Radcliffe Camera, at approximately 10.10am on Tuesday, March 10.

Thames Valley Police subsequently verified that a man in his fifties had died following a welfare concern.

Residents of the area observed a minimum of three police vehicles, an ambulance and a crime scene investigation unit.

Barriers were erected blocking access to Catte Street and St Mary’s Passage, which flank the city centre place of worship, as well as walkways adjacent to the Radcliffe Camera behind the church in Radcliffe Square.

The man has been identified as Russell Bretherton, 52, an Oxford resident.

An inquest commenced regarding Mr Bretherton’s death at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court on March 25 before senior coroner Darren Salter.

The inquest documentation confirmed he died near St Mary the Virgin Church and that his cause of death was recorded as severe physical injury.

A complete inquest will take place regarding Mr Bretherton’s death at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court on June 30 at 2pm.

A Thames Valley Police representative had earlier stated that officers were alerted at approximately 10.10am on March 10 following reports of a welfare concern on High Street in Oxford.

Emergency services responded however tragically a man in his fifties was declared dead at the location.

His death is classified as unexplained but not believed to be criminal in nature, and documentation will be compiled for the coroner.

His relatives have been notified and are receiving support.

The University Church of St Mary the Virgin had previously paid respects to Mr Bretherton.

In a statement released on Friday, March 13, a church spokesperson indicated that the congregation was profoundly distressed by the death of a member of the public outside the premises.

The church expressed gratitude to the emergency services who responded and stated it was providing assistance to those impacted.

The spokesperson added that thoughts and prayers were with the individual’s family and those close to him during this challenging period.

In the Oxford Mail’s Book of Condolence, additional messages conveyed sympathy to the man’s loved ones.

Hugh Mackay wrote that it was very sad and extended condolences to family and friends.

Joanna, who withheld her surname, expressed deep affection for all his family and friends.

Lindsay McEwen attended the location after receiving a notification on his mobile device indicating that the individual was someone he knew from The Porch, an organization supporting homeless and vulnerably housed individuals.

The 63-year-old stated that he was genuinely shocked and was still processing what had occurred.

Guy Scotece, the charity director at The Porch, neither confirmed nor disputed that the man had engaged with the centre.

He expressed that the news was deeply saddening and offered sincere condolences to all friends and family.