A WOMAN found dead in the Oxford Canal was a college nurse who had only just retired.

Yesterday tributes were paid to Helen Brough, who had worked at Brasenose and Merton colleges as a nurse for two decades before her retirement earlier this year.

The flag at Merton College, in Merton Street, was also flying at half-mast in tribute to the 63-year-old, who lived in Cumnor.

Last night mystery continued to surround her death at Shipton-on-Cherwell, but police have now confirmed they are not treating it as suspicious.

Merton College sub-warden Dr Steven Gunn paid tribute to Mrs Brough.

He said: “We are very sad to hear of the death of Helen Brough and wish to express our sympathy to her family and friends.

“She served the college devotedly as college nurse for 20 years until her retirement earlier this year, and was a great support to many students and staff.”

Mrs Brough, who also acted as advisor to women, was the first point of call for any student who was unwell.

Police were called to the canal at Shipton-on-Cherwell, at about 11am on Tuesday after boaters saw the body in the water.

Hundreds canal users were left stranded for more than 24 hours after the waterway was closed for investigation.

Specialist search and rescue officers attended the scene, which is one of Britain’s busiest canals.

Boaters said that tensions rose because they were not told what had happened by police at the scene. One boat user broke the police cordon while some called us to find out what was happening.

A spokesman for Oxfordshire Coroner’s Office confirmed a post-mortem examination has been carried out and an inquest into Mrs Brough’s death subsequently opened and adjourned.

Mrs Brough’s family could not be reached for comment.