People tonight expressed shock after a cyclist found injured in an East Oxford street died in hospital.

The 53-year-old man was found in Bullingdon Road, near the junction with Iffley Road, at about 8.20pm on Tuesday, police said.

The man was taken by ambulance to the John Radcliffe Hospital, but later died of his injuries.

It is not yet clear whether any other vehicle was involved.

Last night, a fatal accident sign marked the spot where the man was found, feet away from the Fir Tree pub.

Cyclists and passers-by expressed their shock at the tragedy.

Cyclist Michael Malone-Lee, 68, of nearby Henley Street, said: “If you are a cyclist that sort of thing makes your stomach turn. It’s dreadful.

“I should wear my helmet. I don’t feel unsafe, but I do cycle very carefully.”

A student who lived doors away from the scene said: “I didn’t see anything but heard all the sirens.

“I came outside and a bloke said someone fell off his bike.

“Everyone was pretty sure it wasn’t hit by a car.

“The bloke who owns the pub helped store the bike.”

PC Kevin Crick said: “This man was found lying in the road with a head injury near to his pedal cycle and I am trying to establish the cause of the injury.

“I am keeping an open mind at this time because there are a number of possibilities.

“I would like to hear from anyone who saw what happened or who may be able to provide information as to the cause of the incident.

“I would specifically like to hear from a young man who asked a passing woman for assistance in calling for an ambulance.”

A spokesman for the Oxfordshire Coroner said the man was expected to be named on Thursday.

He was being formally identified by relatives.

Anyone with information about the incident should call PC Crick on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.