Thetford murder 'has all the hallmarks' of being connected to county lines drug dealing
A detective says the murder of a 25-year-old man in Thetford 'has all the hallmarks' of being connected to county lines drug dealing.
Police are renewing appeals for anyone with information to come forward on the one week anniversary of the murder of David Lawal, who died from a single stab wound to the neck/upper chest area.
Mr Lawal was discovered by members of the public on the side of Brandon Road last Thursday.
Despite efforts made by them and paramedics to save his life, Mr Lawal was pronounced dead at the scene just before 8pm.
Detective Chief Inspector Phillip Gray, who is leading the murder investigation, said: "This a complex and fast-moving investigation and our enquiries to date suggest this murder has all the hallmarks of being connected to county lines, and those involved were known to each other.
"I can’t stress enough how important the public are in helping us to identify potentially key witnesses and I am extremely grateful to all those who have spoken to us and provided valuable information.
"I want to appeal again to anybody who may have been in the area at the time – Brandon Road, Canon’s Close, Canterbury Way and Durham Way - particularly motorists with dash cam footage to come forward and share that with us.
"We also want to hear from you if you know someone who has information but who is, for whatever reason, reluctant to come forward themselves.
"Help us to build a picture of the circumstances leading up and after the murder.
"Please tell us about anything you might have seen or heard so we can understand what happened."
Today, there will be extra patrols in the Canterbury Way and Durham Way areas of Thetford.
A police information hub has also been set up in Durham Way where people can speak to officers, and share information that may help the investigation.
Two men, aged 26 and 29, who were arrested in connection with the incident have been released under investigation while a 17-year-old male has been bailed until October 30.
A fourth man, aged 48, arrested in connection with the incident on suspicion of possessing a bladed article and Class A drugs, has been released under investigation.
A fifth man, aged in 60s, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
Any witnesses or anyone with information that may help the investigation can share this with the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/363719N41-PO1.
They can also telephone Norfolk Police on 101 and quote reference Operation Petersfield and a member of the enquiry team will call them back. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at www.crimestoppers.co.uk
