Shane O'Brien
Police have launched a nationwide search for Shane O'Brien (above) after Josh Hanson was stabbed to death Handout

Scotland Yard has launched a nationwide manhunt for Shane O'Brien as officers continue to search for the killer of Josh Hanson. The 21-year-old, of Kingsbury in north-west London, was stabbed to death in front of dozens of people at the RE bar Eastcote, Hillingdon, in the early hours of 11 October.

Paramedics fought to save his life but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives are now appealing for information about O'Brien, 27, of Ladbroke Grove, who is the focus of their murder investigation. While he has links to the Ruislip area, police believe he could be anywhere in the country and a £10,000 reward is now available for information leading to O'Brien's arrest and prosecution.

Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: "We are very keen to speak to Shane O'Brien as part of our ongoing enquiries and we believe he could be anywhere in the UK.

"I would appeal directly to Shane to contact us, or ask that anyone who has seen him or who knows where he is to contact us as well. I do believe someone out there will know where he is."

O'Brien is described as a white man, 6ft tall and of muscular build. He should not be approached by members of the public. Any sightings of him should be reported to police immediately on 999.

Talking previously about Hanson, DCI McHugh said: "Josh was a hard-working young lad, up at 5am for his job as a roads planner and often working seven days a week. He had everything to live for and when he went out that Saturday night, no one could have imagined what would happen to him. His family is in pieces."

Anyone with information about his whereabouts can call the incident room on 020 8785 8099 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

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