Norwich murder: locals fearful with suspect still on the run

It came after the victim of a murder on the estate was named as 38-year-old Oliver Payne.

One man in his 70s who lives in a flat in Paragon Place described how he feels unsafe after Mr Payne was stabbed to death just outside his home. 

He said: "I feel very unsafe here.

A bunch of flowers has been left next to the site of the stabbing (Image: Newsquest)

"People are frightened and fed up. Enough is enough.

"This is a dangerous place - particularly at night.

"It's been going on for years. 

"I've been attacked in the tunnel several times when walking through it at night.

"If it is happening to me, it is happening to other people."

The area remains eerily quiet, with police patrolling the area (Image: Newsquest)

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Another man, who has lived in the area for several decades, is unsurprised by the murder, which he described as "inevitable."

"There was always going to be problems in this area - it's where the drug deals happen," he said.

"I've seen around 15 in this stretch during my time living here and had to escort several scared pedestrians through the underpass for fear of getting mugged or attacked.

"There used to be a camera, which was stopping it, but it seems to have been removed."

Police are undertaking regular 'reassurance' patrols in the area (Image: Newsquest)

Chief Superintendent Dave Buckley revealed on Monday that the police believe that the victim and suspect are known to one another through illegal drug use.

"I'd have bet money on the fact that it was drugs-related," added the Paragon Place local.

"Our city is an easy target for dealers."

CCTV was installed a few years ago, following several police raids in the area to crack down on the anti-social behaviour plaguing the estate - but many have said that it was mysteriously removed a few years ago.

A Norwich City Council spokesman said: "The council is understandably concerned about the recent incident near Paragon Place and wants to reassure residents that we are working closely with Norfolk Police to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime across the city.

"The CCTV camera deployed at Paragon Place was there to support police operations at the time and was removed nearly three years ago.

"We encourage residents to report any anti-social behaviour by calling 101 for non-emergencies and 999 for emergencies."

Several police officers have been seen in the area as they undertake reassurance patrols.