AN ELDERLY man who died last week is believed to have driven into the path of an HGV, an inquest opening has heard.

George Thompson, of Ipsden, near Wallingford, died on Wednesday, August 8 at the junction of the A4130 and Old Icknield Way, near Wallingford.

Oxford Coroner’s Court heard yesterday how the 89-year-old died at the scene after his Land Rover pulled out in front of the HGV tanker.

Oxfordshire coroner Darren Salter said: “Subject to further investigation, he is believed to have driven into the path of an HGV and was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Mr Salter confirmed the initial post-mortem found that Mr Thompson died after sustaining multiple injuries in the crash.

Thames Valley Police officers and South Central Ambulance Service were called to the incident at around 11.30am last Wednesday.

A number of road closures were put in place as emergency services attended to Mr Thompson, who was pronounced dead at 12.15pm.

The driver of the tanker was uninjured and no arrests have been made.

The date of the full inquest will be decided in due course.