A woman in her 40s has died at a Waitrose supermarket in Esher, Surrey, prompting a significant police presence and the closure of the high street. Emergency services were alerted to a "concern for safety" at the store shortly after 6pm on Wednesday, August 20. Despite the rapid response from paramedics, including an air ambulance, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Surrey Police confirmed that they were called by the South East Coast Ambulance Service to assist with a medical emergency. A police spokesperson stated, "Officers were called to Waitrose on Esher High Street shortly after 6pm yesterday evening. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, a woman in her 40s died at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed."

The supermarket was closed to facilitate the emergency response, but has since reopened. A spokesperson for Waitrose expressed condolences, saying, "Our thoughts are with our customer's family and loved ones. Our staff acted quickly and offered support while the emergency teams arrived. We're now making sure everyone is supported."

The incident has drawn attention on social media, with many expressing their sadness. One Facebook user commented, "That’s awful and so young too. Thoughts to her family," while another added, "My thoughts go out to her family and friends."

Surrey Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.