Norwich murder: suspect still on run one month later

Despite a number of pleas from this newspaper cops will not give a description of the suspected killer or even say if they are close to making an arrest.

This has left people living in Paragon Place, where Oliver Payne was stabbed to death, in fear that the attacker may return.

Harry, who lives on the estate near Grapes Hill and didn't want to give his last name, said: "When we heard that the suspect and the victim were known to each other and that the stabbing was likely drugs related, it made me feel better.

The stabbing happened a stone's throw from the underpass (Image: Newsquest)

"Now I just question if that is really the case, or whether the police were just trying to stop us feeling anxious.

"My instinct is that they haven't released any further information because they haven't got very far with their investigations and haven't got anything to say, which is really upsetting."

A spokeswoman for the police said: "Enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances of what happened, including tracing the suspect.

"We believe the suspect and victim were known to each other and we are actively pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to find the suspect, in and outside of Norfolk and we are being supported by other forces when appropriate."

KILLING IN PARAGON PLACE

Police were called to Paragon Place in West Pottergate at 6.44pm on Friday, August 2 to reports that a man had been stabbed.

The victim, identified as Oliver Payne, was pronounced dead at the scene.

In the days following the murder, police said the stabbing was an isolated incident and they were urgently working to locate the suspect.

A month has passed with no arrests.

"IT FEELS VERY RAW"

Harry narrowly missed witnessing the stabbing.

He and his housemate had just left their home when a group of people came thundering past them, heading in the opposite direction to the underpass.

It was only later that they realised they were potentially running from a stabbing. 

Those living in the area have been left shocked as a month passes with no arrest (Image: Newsquest)

He said: "We had only walked a few steps before people ran past us.

"We spoke to the police officers and gave them descriptions of who we saw.

"We've heard nothing since then."

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CCTV signs in the area warn against crime and disorder (Image: Newsquest)

Harry said that it has been really hard living as if nothing happened despite a murder on his doorstep. 

He said: "It is a horrible feeling.

"I feel like I have no choice but to just keep living as normal.

"I can't believe that no one has been caught - that is insane.

"I can't believe it has been a month. It still feels very raw."

Others living in the estate also say they are shocked no one has been caught. 

The suspect fled the scene of the crime and is now being hunted both inside and outside the county (Image: Newsquest)

"I think it is ridiculous," said one man who was too scared to be named. 

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"Someone must have seen it - people are always out on their balconies or chatting in the street.

"It's all gone hush hush.

"I wonder if locals know more than they are saying, and are just scared of getting caught."

A tent was put up at Paragon Place after the murder of Oliver Payne (Image: Bruno Brown)

"It's terrifying," added one mum.

"It is scary to know that someone mad enough to stab and kill someone is still out there somewhere.

"They could hurt someone else.

"I know the police have said that it is a one-off, but you never know that they won't hurt another person."