Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Detectives investigating the murder of a man who died following a stabbing in Hackney on Boxing Day are appealing for witnesses and information.
The investigation was launched after police were called at approximately 03:10hrs on Tuesday, 26 December to reports of a stabbing in Cranwood Street, EC1.
Officers and London Ambulance Service attended a found a 49-year-old man suffering stab injuries. Despite their efforts, he died as a result of his injuries.
His next of kin have been informed and while formal identification awaits, he can be named as Michael John Murphy.
His family continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command said:
“We are continuing to piece together the events that led to Michael sustaining his injuries and would appeal to anyone who saw or heard anything in the Cranwood Street area on Boxing Day morning to come forward.
“Our initial enquiries have confirmed they was an argument in the street in the moments prior to Michael being stabbed involving a group of up to ten people which local residents may have heard.
“Work is ongoing to identify those involved and I would ask anyone who can help us to do this to get in touch.”
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway who is responsible for policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets said:
“Our thoughts are with Michael’s family at this unimaginably difficult time. That this tragedy occurred over the Christmas period will be shocking to many and I reiterate DCI Allen’s appeal for witnesses who were in the area to come forwards.
“Specialist detectives, supported by local officers from Hackney, have been at the scene since this incident carrying out vital evidence-gathering work. Their presence has caused disruption to residents in the area and I would like to thank everyone for their patience and support while this work is carried out.
“Local officers will continue to patrol in around the area; if you have concerns please speak to them or contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD669/26Dec. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
= Four people – two men aged 49 and 42 and two women aged 35 and 44 – were arrested on suspicion of murder; they have since been released with no further action.