A SECOND murder charge is likely to be made soon after a fatal stabbing in Oxford, a court has heard.

Prosecutor Kathy Oliver was speaking to Judge Ian Pringle at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday (April 11) afternoon during the preliminary hearing of Ryan Bryne, who has been charged with the murder of Tobias Bruce.

The 24-year-old appeared in the court charged in connection with the death of Mr Bruce, 32, who died after a fatal stabbing on February 25 in College Lane, Littlemore.

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He was also charged with two counts of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.

A trial date has been set for September 30 this year with a time estimate of four weeks.

When asked by Judge Pringle why the trial would take four weeks, Ms Oliver said it is expected there will be two defendants.

She said: “There is likely to be a second person charged soon with this murder.

"There is a possibility of a third defendant who is believed to be in Dubai.”

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Bryne, of Hathaway Green Lane, Stratford-Upon-Avon, was told he is to next return to court on May 10 for a trial and preparation hearing.

Judge Pringle said: “I’m going to adjourn your case…in the meantime, you must remain in custody.”

Bryne appeared in court wearing a grey tracksuit and nodded in understanding.