POLICE this afternoon renewed an appeal for help in tracking down the murderer of 26-year-old Enayit Khalili.

Mr Khalili, 26, of Fiennes Road, Rose Hill, died after being stabbed at his home last weekend.

A media briefing today was attended by senior investigating officer, Det Supt George Turner from the major crime department, deputy senior investigating officer Det Chief Insp Andy Boyd, Sedigh Mansoorian, Enayit's brother and family spokesman Hassan Mohammadi, Enayit's cousin.

A statement read out by Supt Turner said: "Enayit Khalili was born on 1 January 1981 and was 26-years-old. He lived at 7 Fiennes Road in Rose Hill.

"I would like to start by telling you a little about Enayit. He was born in Afghanistan and came to the UK in 2001. He subsequently received permanent leave to remain. He is married and his wife lives in Pakistan. She is being supported by her family at this terrible time.

"Enayit was employed by a cleaning company working as a cleaner at both St. Aldates and Cowley police stations. He was also employed as a waiter at the Oxford speedway and greyhound stadium.

"He is known to have been a regular at Marsh Park, where he was the founder of a local volleyball team. He also attended the Blackbird Leys gym and also at the gym at the Oxford stadium where he has practised martial arts.

"Enayit socialised at a number of places including Riley's Snooker club on Between Towns Road, Cowley and betting shops in both Rose Hill and Oxford.

"Enayit was found severely injured at about 3.30am on Saturday, March 24, at his home. The other occupants thought he may have been shot or stabbed. He was bleeding badly. The emergency services were called and armed police were the first on scene, ensuring it was safe for the ambulance to enter. Every effort was made both at the scene and at the hospital to save him, but tragically he died at about 11.40pm that evening.

"A post-mortem examination was carried out the following day and the cause of death was determined by a Home Office Pathologist as being due to a single stab wound to the body. I am not going to be more specific at this time.

"As you know six people were initially arrested in connection with this investigation. Two of these have been released without charge. Four remain on police bail returning on 10 April and 8 May. It is unusual to hold a press conference in such a situation but this is an unusual case.

"The circumstances in which Enayit met his death still remain unclear. At this time there are no witnesses. The weapon is a sharp-bladed instrument of some sort but has not been identified. There is no apparent motive. It is not clear if he was assaulted inside or outside the house. The people who have been arrested remain potential suspects as they cannot be eliminated but I would like to stress there is currently no evidence that any of them are the perpetrator. At this stage I cannot rule any specific motive in or out.

"Extensive enquiries are continuing. In particular officers will be undertaking house to house enquires on the estate for some days and there will be an anniversary check on Friday evening (30/3) going into Saturday morning. The forensic examination of the house will continue for some days.

"This is a tragic murder which will continue to be thoroughly investigated. It has devastated Enayit's family, and shocked not just the Afghan community but all the communities in Oxford and further a field. It is a challenging investigation and I need to find out as much as I can about Enayit, especially his movements and conversations in the weeks days and especially the hours before his murder.

"I would ask that anybody who knew Enayit or has any information about his murder to contact the incident room on 08458 505505 or the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111."

Family spokesman Hassan Mohammadi, Enayit's cousin, said: "We are devastated by Enayit's death and it is shocking for the community.

"We would like to appeal to anyone to contact the police with any information that may help find Enayit's killer.

"Enayit was friendly, cheerful, and loved his family. He was a hard working man who supported his family."