Police have released an image of a man they want to find in relation to a fatal stabbing on Boxing Day.

Jurejs Vankovs, 38, is sought in connection with the murder of 49-year-old Michael Murphy, who died after being stabbed in Cranwood Street, Shoreditch, at 3.10am on Tuesday (December 26).

Police say the two were known to each other and both lived a “transient lifestyle” in the area.

Michael was found with stab injuries and despite the efforts of emergency services at the scene, he died.

Hackney Gazette: Michael John Murphy was killed Michael John Murphy was killed (Image: Metropolitan Police)

Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command is leading the investigation. She said: “We have been working tirelessly to locate Jurejs 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.”

Hackney Gazette: Forensic investigators at Cranwood StreetForensic investigators at Cranwood Street (Image: PA)

For any immediate sightings, the public are asked to call 999 and not approach him. For any other information about his whereabouts or that could assist the investigation, call police on 101 or contact @MetCC on X / Twitter quoting reference CAD669/26Dec.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.