Detectives investigating the murder of a man in Hackney on Boxing Day have released an image of a man they want to locate.

Jerejs Vankovs, 38, is sought for the murder of 49-year-old Michael Murphy who died after being stabbed in Cranwood Street, EC1 at approximately 03:10hrs on Tuesday, 26 December.

Michael Murphy

Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command leads the investigation and 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.”

An investigation was launched after Michael was stabbed in the early hours of Boxing Day.

His next of kin have been informed and 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 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.”

For an immediate sighting of Jerejs Vankovs, do not approach him but dial 999 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.

You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.