Two further arrests in murder investigation – Barton, Oxford

Officers from Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit have today (26/4) made two further arrests.

A 17-year-old boy from Oxford was arrested this morning on suspicion of murder, and a 16-year-old girl, also from Oxford, was arrested on suspicion of murder and Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent.

They both remain in police custody at this time.

The 17-year-old boy who was arrested yesterday has now been eliminated from our enquiries and has been released without charge.

The arrests are in connection with an incident on Sunday (24/4) when officers located the body of a 50-year-old man at a property in Brome Place, Barton.

It is believed he may have been assaulted the previous evening (23/4), but this was not reported to police.

Formal identification of the victim has now taken place, and the victim has been named as Peter Crowley, aged 50, from Barton.

Specially trained officers continue to provide support to the family of Mr Crowley.

A Home Office post-mortem examination was conducted on Monday (25/4) and the result of this was unascertained.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Mike Roddy, of the Major Crime Unit, said: “We are continuing our investigation into the circumstances surrounding Peter’s death, and as a result of enquiries yesterday and this morning, we have now released a teenager without charge.

“We have now made two further arrests, and they both remain in police custody.

“I would again appeal to anybody who believes that they may have witnessed an assault on a man near to the shops in Underhill Circus on Saturday evening at around 9.30pm to please contact us.

“I would also be keen to hear from anyone who may have dash-cam or CCTV footage to please check this can contact Thames Valley Police online or via 101, quoting incident reference 858 (24 April).

“Alternatively, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“There will be a continued police presence in the area while our investigation continues, and I would reassure the community that we are conducting a number of lines of enquiry to ascertain what has led to Peter’s death.

“My thoughts remain with Peter’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”

KB

Note to editors: Mr Crowley’s family have explicitly requested that they do not wish to speak to media and have requested absolutely privacy.