POLICE have confirmed the identity of a man who was stabbed to death in Oxford in the early hours of Sunday.

A murder investigation was launched by Thames Valley Police's Major Crime Unit after a man died in Walton Street, near the junctions of Great Clarendon Street and Little Clarendon Street, in Jericho, at around 12.50am.

Formal identification has taken place and the police have now confirmed the victim as Alex Innes, 25, from Oxford. 

A post-mortem also confirmed the cause of his death was a stab wound.

READ MORE: Jericho 'murder' victim named locally by his friends

Ten people were arrested in connection with the incident. Seven men, including four 18-year-olds, a 19-year-old, a 21-year-old, and a 22-year-old all from Oxford, remain in police custody.

A 19-year-old man, a 17-year-old girl and an 18-year-old woman, all arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, have all been released on police bail.

Detective Inspector Nicola Underhill, of the Major Crime Unit, said: “We continue to investigate the circumstances of this incident in which a man has tragically died. 

“Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Innes’ at this difficult time.

“We have made ten arrests in connection with this incident and we do not believe this was a random assault.

“A scene watch is likely to be lifted shortly, we would thank members of the public for their patience. 

“We would ask anyone with information who has not yet come forward to please do so by contacting us through our online pages or 101 quoting the reference 43220511338.

“Or if you do not wish to speak to police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

READ MORE: Everything we know about Oxford 'murder' on Walton Street

Superintendent Bruce Riddell, LPA commander for Oxford, said: “I would like to firstly extend my deepest condolences to Mr Innes’ family following this tragic incident.

“I am aware that this incident will cause concern within the community and as a result there will be extra officers in the Jericho and Oxford areas for the next couple of weeks in order to provide reassurance to the public.

“Tackling knife crime remains a priority for Thames Valley Police and all partners that we work with in the City, including the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).

“We will continue to work to take knives off the streets, target those who are carrying knives and work with partners to divert people away from violence, and this week activity is ongoing as part of a national week of action to tackle knife crime called Operation Sceptre. 

“Only by working together with our communities, we will solve the issue of knife crime and stop the tragic consequences like we have seen in Oxford this weekend”.

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @AnnaColivicchi