POLICE involved in the Christopher Lemonius murder investigation have condemned his killers and praised witnesses for their bravery.

Senior officers spoke out last night to welcome convictions of the 27-year-old's five killers, who were found guilty yesterday of beating and hacking him to death in a Blackbird Leys alleyway.

READ MORE: The men found guilty of killing Chris Lemonius 

Superintendent Joe Kidman branded the fatal attack 'abhorrent' and said neighbourhood police officers are now working to make the estate 'the safest and most thriving community it can be'. 

Oxford Mail:

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Andy Howard, of Thames Valley Police's major crime unit, described the onslaught in June 2017 as 'sustained and vicious'. 

He said: "Christopher Lemonius was savagely attacked by a group of people who fully intended to kill him.

"Following the murder those convicted, along with others, developed a plan to cover up the crime.

"Evidence including clothing and mobile phones was disposed of and false statements were given to police.

"This has been a long and complex investigation, and today’s convictions have only been possible due to bravery of witnesses who have been prepared to come forward and give evidence, along with the fantastic work of investigating officers, our colleagues in the Crown Prosecution Service and the whole prosecution team."

He said Mr Lemonius' death was 'violent, tragic and unnecessary'.

Oxford Mail:

DCI Howard added: "[Yesterday's] convictions demonstrate that offenders who carry out violent crimes will be found, charged and brought to justice.

"Christopher’s family has had to listen to graphic descriptions of the horrific injuries that he suffered during this utterly brutal attack.

"The dignity they have shown is remarkable.

"I hope that they feel a sense of justice following these verdicts and that for Christopher’s family and friends this can now be the start of them being able to move forward with their lives."

He thanked witnesses who provided 'crucial evidence' to secure the convictions, adding: "A number of these individuals suffered significant impact to their personal lives as a result of the events that they were unfortunate enough to witness on June 1 last year.

"Their courage, determination and sense of public duty are to be commended and I personally extend my thanks and admiration to them."

Superintendent Kidman, local area commander for Oxford, said he was grateful for the hard work of the investigation team.

He said: "The convictions show our absolute determination to tackle serious violence and bring to justice those who use it.

"This result could not have been achieved without the support of local people.

"Blackbird Leys is a close-knit and resilient community and it is clear that residents will not tolerate abhorrent and violent incidents such as this.

"Our neighbourhood team continues to work with everyone in Blackbird Leys to make it the safest and most thriving community it can be.”