Hackney: Man, 49, killed in street argument is named by police

Michael John Murphy was stabbed in Cranwood Street, Hackney, on 26 December

A 49-year-old man killed in east London after a street argument broke out has been named by police.

Michael John Murphy died after being stabbed in Cranwood Street, Hackney, at around 03:10 GMT on 26 December, the Metropolitan Police said.

The police force said moments before the attack a group of "up to 10 people" were involved in an argument.

Four people arrested on suspicion of murder have since been released with no further action, the Met said.

Det Ch Sup James Conway 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.

"Specialist detectives, supported by local officers from Hackney, have been at the scene since this incident carrying out vital evidence-gathering work."

• Four arrested in fatal stabbing murder inquiry

The force said that formal identification is yet to take place but Mr Murphy's next of kin have been informed and his family are being supported by specially trained officers.

Det Ch Insp Kelly Allen from the Met's Specialist Crime Command unit 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."

She said just before the stabbing an argument broke out involving a group of up to 10 people.

"Work is ongoing to identify those involved and I would ask anyone who can help us to do this to get in touch," she added.

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