ATTACKERS suspected of murdering a man in a 'shocking' stabbing were still on the run last night.

Police launched a murder investigation in Didcot yesterday after a man in his 40s died of 'multiple stab wounds', in what officers described as an 'an altercation involving a group of men'.

UPDATE: Victim of Didcot stabbing named locally as tributes flood in

Another two men injured in the brawl, one in his 20s and another in his 30s, were taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition.

They have since been released.

As of yesterday evening, no arrests had been made but police said they were 'determined' to see justice done.

Thames Valley Police issued an update on the investigation this afternoon, but there was no mention of any arrests.

The man who died, who is understood to have been a father to young children, was attacked with a knife at about 3.45am, in the residential area of Mendip Heights.

UPDATE: Two men injured in fatal brawl are released from hospital

Residents awoke to a huge police presence on their doorstep, as forensics cordoned off several areas and combed the streets for clues.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Blaik, said: "This is a tragic incident in which a person has lost their life after being attacked with a knife.

"This murder will shock the local community, but I want to reassure residents that we are carrying out a thorough investigation and we are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice."

Police believe 'more than three men' were involved in the fight, and are trying to track them down.

Officers were seen going door-to-door quizzing residents for information.

Another was guarding a coned-off footpath over the railway bridge a short walk away, carrying the A4130, where a small knife could be seen lying on the ground.

ALSO READ: Police find knife on bridge following Didcot stabbing

Forensics had laid several yellow evidence markers in the middle of the road in Mendip Heights, near a grassy area and cul-de-sac.

Cordons were in place at the junctions with Malvern Close, Brendan Close and Cotswold Park, with another cordon put up later in the day at nearby North Road, outside an entrance to military base Vauxhall Barracks.

One man who watched in disbelief as police put up the tape, Dean, said: "It's normally a really quiet area, my daughter was living here for 12 years and it's always been so quiet. It's absolutely mad."

He said he was concerned about the rise in knife crime across the country, adding: "It's wrecked communities over the years; communities used to be tight but now they are non-existent.

"I don't think the government is taking it seriously enough - if they did, they wouldn't have taken police officers off the streets.

"Without that deterrent, you're inviting people [to commit crimes].

"It's shameful."

ALSO READ: Didcot estate on lockdown as police go house to house following fatal stabbing

Another neighbour added: "It's a very quiet place, you wouldn't expect this. I didn't hear anything in the night.

"There's never even been a burglary [in North Road] in the 25 years I've been here."

A forensic detective could be seen taking photos of the front door of one of the three houses inside the cordon. 

A short footpath just outside the barracks, which connects North Road with Appleton Close, was also taped off at either side.

Florim Daraban, who lives in Mendip Heights, said: ''In the night it was very quiet, I didn't hear anything.

"It was a surprise to see [the police presence]. I've been here for two years and it's a quiet neighbourhood."

Another man, who asked not to be named, added: "You hear of these things happening but you don't think it's going to be on your doorstep.

"It [the estate] used to be a bit rough years ago, but it's ever so nice now."

ALSO READ: Police close another road after murder investigation launched

Although the man who died has been named informally on social media, police are yet to confirm his identity publicly.

His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

Writing on Facebook, one person said: "My heart goes out to the family - my thoughts are with you.

"Knife crime needs to stop."

Another added: "Absolutely tragic."

DCI Blaik thanked residents for their cooperation and urged people to come forward with CCTV, dash-cam or mobile phone footage, or any information 'even if you think it's speculation'.

Anyone who can help can call police on 101, quoting investigation reference 107 (9/1), or make a report online.