Detectives investigating the murder of a man in Hackney on Boxing Day have released an image of a man they want to interview.
Jurejs Vankovs, 38, is wanted for questioning in connection with the murder of 49-year-old Michael Murphy who died after being stabbed in Cranwell Street, close to Old Street Station, just after 3am on December 26.
Police are advising anyone who spots Vankovs not to approach him but dial 999 immediately.
Mr Murphy's family are being supported by specially trained officers.
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command is leading the investigation.
He said: “We have been working tirelessly to locate Jerejs Vankovs but have yet to find him. We are now asking for the public’s help to locate him.
“From what we understand, Vankovs and Michael were known to each other and both lived a transient lifestyle in the local area. 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.”
Forensic officers scoured the crime scene for clues and collected CCTV evidence.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, head of policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: “The support of the Hackney community is vital in assisting us to find Jerejs 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.”
If you have any other information about this 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.
