Detectives are warning the public not to approach Shane O’Brien, who is being hunted by police in relation to a murder in Hillingdon.
O’Brien, 27, of Ladbroke Grove, has links to the Ruislip area but investigating officers say he could be anywhere in the country.
The national manhunt has been launched after the murder of Josh Hanson at a bar in Eastcote, Hillingdon on October 11 at around 1am.
Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “We are very keen to speak to Shane O’Brien as part of our ongoing enquiries and we believe he could be anywhere in the UK.
“I would appeal directly to Shane to contact us, or ask that anyone who has seen him or who knows where he is to contact us as well. I do believe someone out there will know where he is.”
Josh Hanson, 21, was found by London Ambulance and police to have suffered a serious wound to his neck after an incident at the RE Bar in Field End Road, Eastcote.
It is believed Josh had visited the bar on the evening of Saturday, 10 October with friends and his girlfriend, he was approached by a man, who he did not know, and stabbed once in the neck in an unprovoked attack that lasted just seconds.
Josh, described as ‘a hard-working young lad’ was pronounced dead at the scene, MPS Hillingdon have confirmed the incident was isolated and not gang related.
O’Brien is white, 6ft tall and muscular and the public have been urged to call 999 immediately if they see him.
DCI McHugh added: “We have had a positive response to our appeal but are still asking anyone who was in the RE bar between midnight and the time of the incident and has not yet contacted us to get in touch.
“Josh was a hard-working young lad, up at 5am for his job as a roads planner and often working seven days a week.
“He had everything to live for and when he went out that Saturday night, no one could have imagined what would happen to him. His family is in pieces.”
Josh Hanson: Much-loved son
Josh’s mother, Tracey Hanson, said: “Josh was a son that any mother would wish for. He was a hard-working man who provided for his family. He was also carving out a promising career for himself. He had already made plans to see more of the world next year.
“He was always smiling and laughing, he made everyone laugh with his upbeat approach to life.
“For all those who met him they only had good things to say and this is being reflected in the offers of condolence to myself, his friends and family.
“Please, if you know anything, come forward and tell the police who committed this horrific murder and inform them of their whereabouts.”
Anyone with information about his whereabouts can call the incident room on 020 8785 8099 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.
There have been no arrests at present and enquiries continue.
