The footbridge, which connects Swan Street with Ferry Hinksey Road and is used by residents including parents and pupils at West Oxford Community Primary School, was closed after Oxfordshire County Council inspectors identified safety concerns with the structure.

A short diversionary route goes from West Street to Botley Road and then back around to Ferry Hinksey Road. It will add about 10 minutes to most people’s journeys.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repairs, said: “We know how popular this footbridge is, and how important it is for this community.

“However, we cannot compromise when it comes to the safety of the public. The decision to close the bridge has not been taken lightly, but it was the only option in the circumstances.”

Engineers from the council and its principal highways contractor M Group will now consider options to reopen the bridge as soon as practically possible.

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

A search of the area in Gibbs Crescent started at 10am today (18/2) and those involved subsequently found the human remains this afternoon.

The process of recovering the deceased person is under way.

Ch Supt Andy Boyd, Silver Commander, from Thames Valley Police, said: “Forensic identification procedures will have to take place to identify the deceased person which will take some time due to the nature of the incident. Our thoughts remain with everyone who has been affected by this incident.”

Emergency services were called at 4.45pm on Tuesday (14/2) following reports of an explosion, a fire and the collapse of a property.

On Thursday (16/2) the Force issued a public appeal for Guido Schuette, aged 48, who was unaccounted for and was believed to have died during the incident. His family has been informed of the latest development today and are continuing to be offered support from officers.

A multi-agency response is ongoing at the site. Detectives, fire investigators and crime scene investigators are continuing work to determine the cause of the incident.

Gibbs Crescent will remain closed until further notice.