A PRE-inquest review took place yesterday (September 20) into the death of a pedestrian who was killed when knocked down by a lorry.

Derek Thornton, 73, died at the scene when he was struck by the HGV at the junction of the A44 High Street and A361 West Street in Chipping Norton on the afternoon of February 28.

The inquest into the retired shop floor worker from Chipping Norton was officially opened in March this year by senior coroner for Oxfordshire Darren Salter.

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Mr Salter said an air ambulance doctor confirmed Mr Thornton’s death at 4.13pm. He also confirmed a police investigation was still ‘ongoing’.

A full inquest was due to take place yesterday morning. However this was changed to pre-inquest review which is a meeting to discuss and arrange details for the full hearing.

Mr Thornton was said to have worked as a shop floor worker in a furniture factory before his retirement.

Following Mr Thornton’s death, PC Phil Hanham of Thames Valley Police issued an appeal for witnesses who saw the crash to come forward.

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He added: “This collision occurred in the middle of the afternoon in Chipping Norton town centre, and as a result, very sadly, a man has died of his injuries, despite the efforts of medical professionals and the public."

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This story was written by Gee Harland. She joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.

Gee covers Wallingford, Wantage and Didcot.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @Geeharland

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