Detectives have issued new CCTV images of a man they want to speak to in connection with a murder in east London on Boxing Day.
Police are trying to trace Jurejs Vankovs, 38, after 49-year-old Michael Murphy died after being stabbed in Cranwood Street at 3.10am.
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command leads the investigation and said: “Earlier this week we released an image of Jurejs Vankovs who we are keen to locate in connection with our investigation. Our efforts continue and a number of enquiries are ongoing to trace him.
“We are now releasing further CCTV images of Vankovs, a Latvian national who was seen wearing a black tracksuit and riding a red bicycle in Old Street, Islington.
"We believe he may still be using this bike, or another to travel around on. Whilst we know these images are not completely clear, we are hoping that his distinctive outfit and red bike may help to jog the memories of those who may have seen him.
“I would ask people in the Shoreditch and wider Hackney area to keep a lookout for him. If you see Vankovs, please do not approach him but call 999 immediately.”
An investigation was launched after Mr Murphy was fatally stabbed. His next of kin continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, responsible for policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: “The support of the Hackney community is vital in helping us to find Jurejs Vankovs. We continue to work closely with our local partners to track him down but I would urge anyone who sees Vankovs, or knows of his whereabouts, to get in contact immediately.”
Mr Murphy's family said: “We are devastated and heartbroken at the loss of Michael who was a loving father, son, brother and uncle and was a much-loved member of our family. We are appealing to any witnesses or anyone with information to please contact the police.”
For an immediate sighting of Jurejs Vankovs, do not approach him but dial 999 immediately.
If you have any other information about his whereabouts, or that could assist the investigation, please call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD669/26Dec.To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
