Messages of sympathy have been flooding in following the death of a woman on a populated road in Oxford, after armed officers were despatched to the location.

Emergency services descended on Cowley Road in significant numbers at approximately 3pm on Thursday, March 19.

The response included armed constables alongside ambulance personnel.

One person who preferred to remain unnamed told this publication that the scene featured three patrol vehicles, officers carrying weapons, four emergency ambulances and a specialist critical care team. Roads became completely congested, with roughly eight medics stationed at the roadside administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Thames Valley Police were approached for additional information, with officers confirming on Friday morning that a woman had lost her life at the location.

A force spokesperson stated that the deceased was a woman in her sixties who suffered what appeared to be a sudden medical emergency.

Regarding the presence of armed officers, the spokesperson elaborated that when firearms teams are not occupied responding to their most serious calls and shooting-related incidents, they conduct regular patrols through urban areas to assist with local neighbourhood policing. On this particular day, while on routine patrol, they encountered the medical emergency and delivered emergency medical assistance. Despite firearms being standard equipment for these officers as part of their duties, this was not a situation where armed units had been specially summoned.

Police indicated that no additional information would be released about the occurrence.

Donna Craig, a member of the public, posted a commemorative message expressing her sorrow and extending condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.