FAMILY and friends of a man who was stabbed to death in Oxford in the early hours of Sunday have shared their tributes and memories of him.

A murder investigation was launched by Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit after a man in his twenties died in Walton Street, near the junctions of Great Clarendon Street and Little Clarendon Street, in Jericho, at around 12.50am.

Formal identification has taken place and the police have now confirmed the victim as Alex Innes, 25, from Oxford.

READ MORE: Dozens of flowers appear in Jericho, Oxford for ‘murder’ victim

Mr Innes’ cousin Chey Brown said: “My cousin, my twin, you will forever be in my heart.

“You always had my back and I’m forever grateful for you.

“Please watch over me and I’ll do my best to make you proud.”

Lauren Compton said: “Heartbreaking to find out you are gone Alex and I’m so sorry this happened to you. You were so pure, so kind, there was nothing you wouldn’t do for anyone.

“My heart goes out to hundreds of other friends who are grieving but also his family who just like Alex has the biggest heart.” 

READ MORE: Seven remain in police custody over Jericho 'murder'

Naomi Short said: “Rest in peace to one of the loveliest men going. We will miss you.”

Debbie Maycock said: “Rest in peace Alex, I didn’t know you personally but know of you, my thoughts and prayers are with you your family and friends.”

Claire Louise said: “Devastating for this young man’s family and loved ones. I’ve seen nothing but an outpour of love on social media today, which is testament to what sort of man he must have been.”

Sarah Walls said: “So heartbreaking. Sending my condolences to his family.”

Oxford Mail:

READ MORE: Flowers appear at the scene of 'murder' in Jericho, Oxford

On Sunday morning, Walton Street was closed in both directions from Beaumont Street to Observatory Street, and those trying to cross the cordon from Little Clarendon Street to Walton Crescent were being turned away.

Police tents were setup on Walton Street and forensic officers were seen outside the Clarendon Building and around the area.

A post-mortem also confirmed the cause of his death to be a stab wound.

Some businesses on Walton Street, including Riverman Records, decided to shut early yesterday because of the road closures.

Superintendent Bruce Riddell, LPA commander for Oxford, said: “I would like to firstly extend my deepest condolences to Mr Innes’ family following this tragic incident.

“I am aware that this incident will cause concern within the community and as a result there will be extra officers in the Jericho and Oxford areas for the next couple of weeks in order to provide reassurance to the public.

“Tackling knife crime remains a priority for Thames Valley Police and all partners that we work with in the City, including the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).

"We will continue to work to take knives off the streets, target those who are carrying knives and work with partners to divert people away from violence, and this week activity is ongoing as part of a national week of action to tackle knife crime called Operation Sceptre.

“Only by working together, will we solve the issue of knife crime and stop the tragic consequences like we have seen in Oxford this weekend."

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @AnnaColivicchi