Police Hunt Boxing Day Murder Suspect in Hackney
Detectives have released an image of Jerejs Vankovs, 38, wanted for the brutal murder of 49-year-old Michael Murphy in Hackney. The stabbing happened in Cranwell Street at around 3.10am on Boxing Day, December 26.
Victim and Suspect Known to Each Other
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command is leading the probe. She 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.”
Allen revealed that Vankovs and Michael Murphy were acquaintances, both living transient lifestyles around the Hackney and Shoreditch areas. She urged locals to be vigilant:
“If you see Vankovs, please do not approach him but call 999 immediately.”
Community Help Crucial to Catch Killer
The investigation began promptly after Michael Murphy was fatally stabbed in the early hours of Boxing Day. His family has been informed and is receiving support from specialist officers.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, responsible for Hackney and Tower Hamlets, stressed the importance of community involvement:
“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. I urge anyone who sees Vankovs, or knows of his whereabouts, to get in contact immediately.”
How to Report Sightings
- If you spot Jerejs Vankovs, do NOT approach him – dial 999 immediately.
- For other information, call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD669/26Dec.
- You can also report anonymously to the crime charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
