It has been 22 years since Brian Francis was found dead in his flat with the police’s murder investigation remaining open to this day.

Brian Francis was found beaten to death at his Blackbird Leys flat in 2002 on February 7.

The 51-year-old had multiple injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene after paramedics were called to his Knights Road home by a mystery caller.

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The victim’s ground floor flat was well-known as a haunt of drug users but police investigations have so far proved fruitless.

A telephone box in Merlin Road, thought to have been used by the person who called 999, was even taken away by police for forensic tests.

Four years after his murder at the hands of a killer who has yet to face justice, police renewed an appeal for information, following an inquest held at Oxford Coroner's Court which ruled Mr Francis had been unlawfully killed.

Oxford Mail: Two men, aged 37 and 45, were arrested separately on suspicion of the murder in the week after Mr Francis was found dead.

Both were later released without charge.

Thames Valley Police have confirmed to the Oxford Mail the case remains open and unsolved.

A police spokesman said: “Anyone with any information regarding the case is asked to contact the Major Crime Review Team of Thames Valley Police, via 101 or email majorcrimereviewteam@thamesvalley.police.uk.”