An investigation is underway after the volunteer taking part in trials for the Oxford University and AstraZeneca vaccine died, but testing has not been halted

A volunteer taking part in clinical trials into an Oxford University and AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine has died.

Brazil’s health authority has announced the tragedy, which has been confirmed by the university – but scientists said no safety concerns have been identified.

Trials of the drug will not be halted.

The Federal University of Sao Paulo, which is helping coordinate phase 3 clinical trials in Brazil, said the volunteer was Brazilian – but did not say where the person lived.

No further details about the circumstances have been released, and it is not known if the person’s death was in any way related to the trial.