POLICE are appealing for specific witnesses as part of a murder investigation.

Conrad Welch, 63, died in hospital on June 19 after he was involved in an incident of assault eight days earlier.

It is believed Mr Welch was struck once to the head on June 11, causing him to lose consciousness.

The incident took place in Ship Street, Oxford at 10.50pm.

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On July 8, four men were arrested on suspicion of murder, and have since been released on bail until August 4.

The investigation has since established that two of the men had travelled on the S3 bus from Woodstock to Oxford city centre on June 11, which departed at approximately 10.30pm.

It is believed that Mr Welch got on the bus along Woodstock Road, Oxford as it travelled into the city centre.

It is thought that the two men and Mr Welch became involved in a disagreement which then continued after the bus arrived in Magdalen Street East, at 10.45pm, and up to the point where Mr Welch was struck in Ship Street.

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Senior investigation officer, Detective Inspector Mike Roddy, of Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, said: “Our investigation continues into the circumstances that led to Mr Welch’s death.

“Our thoughts remain with his family who continue to be supported by specially trained officers.

“We are continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward and in particular would like to speak to anyone who was travelling on the S3 bus from Woodstock to Oxford city centre on June 11 at around 10.30pm through to 10.45pm, as they may have vital information about the events that led to the assault of Mr Welch.

“I would also like to appeal to any members of the public who may have spoken to Mr Welch or either of the two men during the bus journey into Oxford.

“I’d also like to once again appeal for witnesses to the incident of assault which took place in Ship Street at 10.50pm.

“It was a busy night in Oxford city centre and therefore likely that people will have seen Mr Welch that night shortly before, or during this incident.

“Any piece of information could prove to be extremely helpful for this investigation.

“Anyone with information should contact Thames Valley Police through our online reporting system or by calling 101 quoting reference INC-20210707-1280.

“If you wish to report anonymously, you can so by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”