A number of men arrested for the one-punch murder of Conrad Welch have been released without charge, police said.

A fourth man, now aged 19, remains on police bail. He must return to the police station on March 22 to answer his bail.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said the three other men arrested – aged 21 and 22 – have been released without further action being taken.

“Our investigation into the incident is ongoing,” he added.

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Mr Welch, 63, died eight days after he was knocked to the ground in Oxford city centre on June 11, 2021.

Detectives said that the Oxford man had got into a ‘disagreement’ with two men on the S3 bus after he got on at a Woodstock Road stop at around 10.30pm.

The argument was said to have continued when both Mr Welch and the two other men alighted at Magdalen Street around 10.45pm.

He was punched to the ground in Ship Street, it was said.

Although Mr Welch was conscious and talking to paramedics called to the scene, he sadly died eight days later after the alleged assault having been taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital.

The victim’s family said in a tribute released last summer: “He was a very loving, caring, responsible father, grandad, brother, uncle to many, who would go the extra mile to help others especially family and friends.

“We never got the chance to say goodbye, unspoken words you’ve left behind, undone things we’ll never do, no sharing thoughts you never knew.”

DI Mike Roddy said in an appeal in 2021: “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.”

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He added: “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.”

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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @t_seaward