Man, 19, killed in ‘gang attack’ after car crash in leafy Oxfordshire town as boy, 15, arrested on suspicion of murder
A MAN has been killed after a ‘gang attack’ at the scene of a car crash in a leafy Oxfordshire street.
The 19-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene on Chinnor Road, Thame, last night and a 15-year-old boy was later arrested on suspicion of murder.
Police and fire crews were called to reports of a 'serious' crash and a car was discovered overturned on the road.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. His family have been informed.
Within the police cordon, forensic specialists were spotted searching the overturned car and photographing blood stains alongside the driver's door. A white forensic tent was behind the car and it was believed that the victim's body remained at the scene.
One friend, who did not want to give his name, arrived at the police cordon facing the white forensic tent and shouted out loudly: "RIP Josh, love you bruv."
He then turned to police manning the cordon and added: "He didn't deserve that, nobody deserves that. I heard that he was stabbed three times."
The man then left the scene, refusing to talk to reporters or to identify himself.
NEIGHBOURS SPEAK OUT
One local resident, who did not wish to be named, told how money was scattered all over the road at the scene of the killing.
“I think the fight was over more than a £20 bag of drugs, there was money scattered all over the road. I have a friend who was at the scene and he told me that,” he said.
The sleepy town was otherwise undisturbed, with many saying they awoke to hear sirens but did not see the carnage unravelling on their doorsteps.
An elderly woman, who refused to be named, said: “I woke up once last night but I thought I had just dreamed hearing all the sirens. Then I came out this morning and it was real.
“This sort of thing does not happen in Thame. We have had rowdy kids go by but there has never been any trouble.”
Neighbours in a suburban road adjacent to the scene told how the police had been deploying a drone over their gardens in the morning after the murder.
One woman, speaking from her home on Cotmore Close, said: “The first I knew about this was when I heard a drone in my garden this morning.
“The police have been around because I have a CCTV camera and a car matching the description of the one they found was seen turning around on one of the driveways here at the time. But my camera only covers our driveway."
Local residents, many elderly, were being allowed to go in and out of the police cordon. One man was explaining to officers how he had come to help his daughter move house.
YOUNG MEN SPOTTED
Officers want to speak to a group of young men spotted in the area at the time of the incident at around 7pm.
They believe the attack may have been caught on camera and have urged the public not to share the footage online.
Reports on social media suggest there was a crash and a fight involving multiple people but police have not yet given any further details.
Residents said they were told not to leave their homes last night as around 10 police cars and ambulances arrived at the scene.
Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Mike Roddy of the Major Crime Unit said: “We are in the very early stages of this murder investigation.
“Our thoughts first and foremost go out to the family of the man who has sadly died.
“It is really important that anyone with information about what happened, comes forward.
“Although the details of what exactly has happened is unclear at the moment, we would like to hear from you if you saw anything suspicious this evening in Chinnor Road or Essex Road and the surrounding areas.
“We know there were a number of people in the area who will have seen this unfold and may have even caught some of the incident on video.
“Please do not share this video on social media, but instead share it with police. A man has died in this incident and if you have footage or pictures this could be very traumatic for the family and friends of the man who has died.
“We know this will be concerning for the community but there will be an increased police presence in the area. Feel free to approach these officers if you have any concerns.”
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The force later added on Twitter: "A 15-year-old boy from Oxfordshire has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody."
Anyone with information is urged to call 101 quoting the reference URN 1152 (22/7) or make a report online.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
