A 48-year-old woman collapsed and died after getting out of a taxi in Oswestry.

Police say that the woman, who has not been named, appears to have been involved in a “low speed contact” with the taxi but say that she may have collapsed before the collision.

The incident happened in Gittin Street, which is a residential area of the town, at about 10.30pm on Saturday.

Officers are trying to piece together exactly what happened and today appealed for help from members of the public in establishing exactly how the woman died.

A post mortem is also expected to throw more light on the woman’s death.

Ambulance crews responded to a 999 call and attended the scene in Gittin Street.

However, paramedics were unable to resuscitate the woman.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman today said: “When crews arrived on scene they found a lady lying in the road.

“Crews immediately began carrying out emergency treatment.

“Unfortunately, despite best efforts of the ambulance crews, nothing could be done to save the woman and she was confirmed dead at the scene.”

Richard Ewels, a West Mercia Police spokesman, today said: “The circumstances are not clear at the moment and we are appealing for witnesses.

“It appears there was a low-speed contact between the taxi and the woman after she left the vehicle, but it’s not clear whether she had collapsed beforehand.”

He said police were anxious to speak to anyone who might be able to help establish exactly what happened.

“We would appeal to anyone who saw this incident or the circumstances leading up to it, to please contact Oswestry police station on 0300 333 3000,” he added.

A report is currently being be prepared for the coroner for Mid and North Shropshire, Mr John Ellery.

Mr Ewels said that it was hoped a post mortem would be held over the next few days to establish the cause of death.

Laura Owen, a Shropshire Council spokeswoman, said: “The authority’s licensing team in Oswestry have not been notified of an incident.

“However, people do have seven days in which to notify us.”

By Sue Austin