TRIBUTES have poured in for a “vibrant and popular” former student who was struck down and killed on the A40.

Teenage Katy Pancott died at the scene following the crash at 12.35am near the Agrivert plant between Cassington and Wolvercote roundabout in the early hours of Friday morning. [oct 9] Thames Valley Police said the 19-year-old had gotten out of a stationary black C63 Mercedes of her own accord, but was then hit by a silver Ford Focus.

This morning Thames Valley Police confirmed a 23-year-old man, the driver of the Mercedes, has been released on bail after he was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

Friends of Miss Pancott, who is believed to work at Primark, took to social media to pay tribute to the teenager.

Elissa Clark wrote on her Facebook page: “Rest in peace Katy Pancott. A girl I spent so many of my high school years with, we were always causing trouble and enjoying life together.

“Thank you for being such an amazing friend. I’ll never forget the memories we shared. You’ll be missed by thousands.”

Bunches of flowers and bouquets bearing heartfelt tributes to Miss Pancott were laid at the side of the road near the police cordon, which closed the road for nearly eight hours.

One read: “Tragically taken, rest in paradise. Look over the girls they miss you soo much. Sleep tight beautiful angel.”

Another, signed best of the best, said: “You are amazing and have always been the best of the best. I love you. RIP.”

A third, signed Natalia, read: “You will always be in my hearts. It’s sad you was taken from us so soon. I don’t know how I’m going to live life and not hear your voice.”

Miss Pancott was previously a student at City of Oxford College and completed a Level 2 travel and tourism qualification this summer.

Assistant principal Pete Reynolds said: “Katy was a vibrant personality and very popular with her fellow students.

“Our thoughts are with her family and friends as they try to come to terms with this terrible shock and loss.

“A number of Katy’s friends continue to study with us and our priority is to ensure they have the care and support they need during this time.

“Our student support team is on hand to provide counselling, or to simply offer someone to talk to.”

Although formal identification has taken place police said that her family has been informed.

A 23-year-old man, the driver of the Mercedes, was arrested on the same day on suspicion of manslaughter and after being questioned by detectives was released on bail to report back to officers on Friday, October 23.

It is believed officers are trying to establish what happened in the car in the moments before the woman got out.

Police said they would like to speak to anyone who has any information about the collision, or who saw a female pedestrian or a silver Ford Focus prior to the collision, or the black C63 Mercedes.

Senior investigating officer, Det Chief Inspector Justin Fletcher said: “Following the tragic death of a young woman yesterday morning, a full investigation is under way to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision.

“We are continuing to appeal for information and I would urge anyone who has not yet spoken to police who has any information which could help with the investigation, to contact us as soon as possible.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the young woman who has lost her life.”

Caitlin Marriott, manager at the Wolvercote roundabout M&S inside the BP petrol station, said: “The road was already closed when we arrived at 6am.

“I came from a different direction but some of the staff had to do a huge detour. We just saw the police and assumed there was a crash.

“We hadn’t been told much information. When one of our guys was doing the forecourt checks, that’s when found out the road would open again at 8am.”