DETECTIVES investigating the murder of a 16-year-old boy in Oxford have identified a number of people who could hold the key to cracking the case.

Harun Jama was found stabbed and bleeding to death under a footbridge in Friars Wharf shortly before 8pm on Wednesday January 3.

The teenager, from Birmingham, was taken to hospital where he later died of his injuries.

As the investigation nears the six month mark, police have relaunched their appeal for witnesses.

This has included providing new information about people known to be in the area around the time of the killing.

Officers believe that identifying and speaking to these individuals could offer crucial information about what happened to Harun.

DCI Andy Howard, of the major crimes unit, is leading the investigation into the murder.

He said it is known that Harun was in the area of the black and white bridge, which is located further along the towpath from where the teenager's body was found in Friars Wharf, between 7.30pm and 8pm.

At around the same time, a group of three or four black or mixed race young males, believed to be in their late teens or early twenties, were also in that area.

Mr Howard said a blonde woman was also stood on top of the black and white bridge and looking out over the edge.

A white male of larger build, also present, is said to have made comments regarding an ‘altercation’, said Mr Howard.

The detective also describes a male on a bike chasing another male, who was on foot, from the black and white bridge towards the blue and white bridge at Friars Wharf.

The male on the bike is then joined by a woman.

A number of people were seen crossing blue and white bridge from Friars Wharf side to Marlborough Road.

Police are very keen to speak to any of the people they have identified and Mr Howard moved to reassure tentative witnesses.

He said: "I am aware that there are potential witnesses out there who may not wish to speak to the police for various reasons, whether that be because of the reasons they were down on the towpath that evening or because they are concerned about repercussions...

"Please talk to us. Please look at your consciences."

He said that appropriate support would be made available for those coming forward with information about the case.

Mr Howard said he had made a pledge to Harun's mother and family that Thames Valley Police would do everything it could to achieve justice for the teenager.