A MURDER investigation that launched after a fatal street attack has stepped up, with police appealing for nine specific witnesses.

Graham Collier, a 57-year-old father from Oxford, died from serious head injuries in July after an 'altercation' in Cowley Road. 

Police have today revealed that Mr Collier left hospital after admission and was later found 'unwell' outside Posh Fish, the popular fish and chip shop in Headington.

The force has released descriptions of people they want to speak to, including a man who helped the victim after he was injured.

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Two other people they want to speak to were inside the chip shop when Mr Collier was found outside.

Officers were called to a ‘verbal altercation’ in the East Oxford street at about 7.20pm, on Thursday, July 18. 

Mr Collier died in hospital on Saturday, July 20, having been taken back after being found in Headington. 

Oxford Mail:

Graham Collier. Pic from Thames Valley Police

These specific witnesses were in Cowley Road around the time of the incident:

  • A white man, with short dark hair wearing a pale blue shirt and blue trousers. He helped the victim after the incident and told paramedics that he was a paramedic from South Africa. He was also accompanied by another man who was wearing a grey cardigan, a t-shirt with the word 'Duke' on it and dark blue trousers.
  • A white man wearing a black baseball cap back-to-front with a navy blue t-shirt that had a gold belt pattern.
  • A white man wearing a white t-shirt with blue jeans, a white baseball cap back-to-front, and headphones around his neck. He was riding a red, foldable bike.
  • A white man in a grey hooded jacket, grey jeans and black trainers.
  • A white man with a shaved head, wearing a chequered shirt and black trousers.
  • A white woman with dark hair tied back, wearing dark blue dungarees with a white cardigan and carrying a checked grey and cream bag.
  • A white man wearing a two-tone Nike tracksuit and riding an orange bike.

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These specific witnesses were in Posh Fish when the victim was found: 

  • A white man with dark hair, a short beard and moustache. He was wearing a green hooded top over a blue t-shirt and grey shorts. He was carrying a black rucksack and dark cycle helmet.
  • A white man with short, fair hair wearing a white hooded top over a green t-shirt with the word 'California' on, and grey shorts.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Mike Roddy, of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit said: "I am appealing for these specific witnesses to please come forward as they may have important information that could assist with the investigation.

"If you believe that one of these people is you, or someone you know, please get in touch with us as soon as possible."

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Anyone with information can call police on 101, or make a report online, quoting reference '43190220213'. 

Anyone who wants to remain anonymous can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Rodney Brain, 41, of Laurel Close in Carterton, was charged with one count of murder on July 21.

He has pleaded not guilty and a trial date has been set for December 9.