Moment prime suspect in Boxing Day knife murder of 49-year-old father in Hackney is captured on CCTV near crime scene on red bike and 'distinctive outfit' as police continue hunt to try and find him

  • Detectives warn people not to approach Jurejs Vankovs, 38, and to call 999

By MATT STRUDWICK, NEWS REPORTER

Published: | Updated:

The prime suspect in the horror Boxing Day knifing in east London was seen riding his bicycle near the scene of the killing.

Fresh CCTV images of Latvian Jurejs Vankovs have been released by Scotland Yard detectives as they continue to try and track down the 38-year-old.

Michael John Murphy, 49, was attacked at around 3am on December 26 in Cranwood Street, Hackney, and died of his injuries despite treatment at the scene. 

The father was knifed following an argument involving around 10 people, the Metropolitan Police said.  

Four people - two men aged 49 and 42 and two women aged 35 and 44 - were arrested on suspicion of murder on but were released with no further action. 

Fresh images of Latvian Jurejs Vankovs have been released by Scotland Yard detectives as they continue to try and track down the 38-year-old following a fatal stabbing in east London

Fresh images of Latvian Jurejs Vankovs have been released by Scotland Yard detectives as they continue to try and track down the 38-year-old following a fatal stabbing in east London

Vankovs can be seen wearing a black tracksuit with his hood up while riding a red bicycle in Old Street, Islington - just two minutes away from where Michael Murphy, 49, was killed

Vankovs can be seen wearing a black tracksuit with his hood up while riding a red bicycle in Old Street, Islington - just two minutes away from where Michael Murphy, 49, was killed

Detectives have urged people not to approach Vankovs, but to call 999 if they spot him.

Vankovs can be seen wearing a black tracksuit with his hood up while riding a red bicycle in Old Street, Islington - just two minutes away from where Mr Murphy was fatally stabbed.

Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen, who is leading the murder probe, 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.'

Members of the public have been warned not to approach Vankovs if they spot him and to call 999

Members of the public have been warned not to approach Vankovs if they spot him and to call 999

Vankovs seen walking along Old Street, Islington
The 38-year-old pushes his bike along the street

Vankovs was seen walking the street near the crime scene (left) and riding his bike (right)

A police tent at the crime scene in Cranwood Street, east London, on Boxing Day. Police were call just after 3am

A police tent at the crime scene in Cranwood Street, east London, on Boxing Day. Police were call just after 3am

Forensic teams could be seen combing the area for evidence on December 26 following the fatal stabbing

Forensic teams could be seen combing the area for evidence on December 26 following the fatal stabbing 

Mr Murphy was described by his heartbroken family as a loving father, son, brother and uncle and 'was a much-loved member of our family'

Mr Murphy was described by his heartbroken family as a loving father, son, brother and uncle and 'was a much-loved member of our family'

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, responsible for policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, added: '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.'

In a statement issued through Scotland Yard, Michael'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.'

LondonMet Police

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