Old Street murder: Victim named as Michael John Murphy in Hackney Boxing Day fatal stabbing investigation

Police are searching for "up to 10 people" who were involved in an argument before a man was fatally stabbed near Old Street on Boxing Day. The Met Police has named the victim as Michael John Murphy.

While formal identification is yet to take place, investigators have released the name in the course of the murder investigation. The Met was called at about 3.10am on Tuesday (December 26) to reports of a stabbing in Cranwood Street, Hackney. Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found a 49-year-old man suffering stab injuries.

Despite their efforts, he died as a result of his injuries. Police say his next of kin have been informed and that his family are being supported by specially trained officers.

Four people previously arrested on suspicion of murder - two men aged 49 and 42 and two women aged 35 and 44 - have since been released with no further action.

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 there 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 forward.

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 around the area; if you have concerns please speak to them or contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or X @MetCC and quote CAD669/26Dec. You can provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.