THE parents of tragic teenager Connor Tremble last night begged for justice as detectives won more time to quiz a man about his murder.

Connor, 17, died in the John Radcliffe Hospital on Saturday after he was stabbed at his flat in Fairacres Road, Iffley Fields, Oxford, on Thursday.

As friends began to leave flowers outside and write messages on the boarded up door to the flat, his parents Martin Smith and Lisa Tremble appealed for help to convict his killer. Mrs Tremble said the death had “ripped my heart into pieces”.

Detectives arrested a 20-year-old man from Banbury – where Connor, pictured, was originally from – on Friday night. Yesterday they were given an extra 36 hours by magistrates to continue to hold him on suspicion of murder and interview him.

Mrs Tremble said: “I want justice for Connor and to appeal to anybody with information regarding his death to come forward.

“I urge you to think about the value and delicacy of life.

“Connor was a much-loved son, big brother, nephew and grandson.

“His death has ripped my heart into pieces and I feel I have been robbed of something priceless.”

Mr Smith said: “Connor was a charming, happy-go-lucky boy, a dearly loved son, big brother and grandson and he will hold a place in my heart until the day that I die.

“Wherever he is, may he have found peace and comfort. He will be greatly missed.

“If anyone has any information which can help the investigation, please speak to the police.”

Connor had been stabbed repeatedly in his chest, legs and hands.

A post-mortem examination yesterday did not confirmed the exact cause of death and further medical tests are to be carried out.

The 20-year-old suspect was arrested on Friday in Stratford-upon-Avon, initially on suspicion of attempted murder.

Detectives have until tomorrow morning to interview him before deciding if they will charge him.

A second man, aged 21, who was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of assisting an offender was released without charge.

Connor listed himself on Facebook as a pupil at Blessed George Napier School in Banbury.

Grieving friends have also paid tribute to Connor, who was being looked after by Oxfordshire County Council.

They released lanterns in his memory at Spiceball Park last night.

The board covering the door to the Fairacres Road flat also had tributes written on it, alongside kisses.

A message signed Jess read: “Can’t believe you’re gone babe. I know we didn’t know each other for that long but in the time we did we became so close, we had many memories and I wished we would have had more, but heaven gained another angel, keep smiling up there with your cheeky smile.”

Neighbours said they were shocked after the attack. One Fairacres Road resident, who only moved in last month, said: “My wife is scared and I’m scared to leave her and my daughter alone.”

Det Chief Insp Mark Glover, of Thames Valley Police’s major crime unit, said a murder investigation was under way, adding: “I would appeal to anyone with any information about this incident to contact police.

“This is not believed to be a random attack.

“However, we continue to have an open mind and enquiries are ongoing to attempt to establish the motive.”

Anyone with information should call the major crime unit on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Friends and family also took to Facebook to pay tribute.

Emma Pattinson wrote: “U will be sadly missed bt never forgotten love u always.”

Joffan Stear added: “R.I.P. bruv ur guna b missed by millions.”

And Danielle Harris wrote: “A beautiful soul. Devastating news. Thoughts are with your family. I always had a soft spot for you. It made my day bumping into you the other day.”

Paul Smith, a spokesman for Oxfordshire County Council, said Connor was in close contact with the social services until his death.

He added: “Oxfordshire County Council was shocked and saddened to hear of the violent death of Connor Tremble.

“Our sympathies go out to his family and friends.

“There will be a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic death so that any lessons for the future can be learned.”

A 20-year-old man, was arrested on Friday in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, on suspicion of murder.

He is in custody at a police station in the Thames Valley.

And a 21-year-old man from Birmingham was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of assisting an offender in connection with the incident and is also in police custody.