BRAVE passers-by who helped police and paramedics find a woman with serious injuries by a riverbank in Stroud have laid flowers in her memory.

Penny Rudge, 53, Ian Cornwell, 52, and daughter Beth, 11, were walking their dog, Meadow, when they heard cries for help and saw police searching the area off Dr Newton's Way.

They led officers to where the cries of help were coming from as they knew the area well and were able to find the quickest route.

"We feel absolutely dreadful to hear the news," said Penny.

"We didn't know what to expect.

"I knew exactly where the cries were coming from and we are glad to have been able to help police in their search.

"The paramedics and police did everything they could.

"Beth was incredibly brave and has shown real strength of character.

"Our thoughts are with this lady's family, it is just so sad."

Paramedics found a man who had shouted for help attempting to help the woman who was found seriously injured by the banks of the River Frome at around 7pm on Friday.

CPR was carried out and she was taken to hospital but she later died at around 9.30pm.

Her next of kin have been informed.

The death is not being treated as suspicious.