Two women have been arrested in a murder investigation following a fatal stabbing in Oxford.

Tobias Bruce, who lived on Arthray Road, was fatally stabbed during an incident in College Lane, Littlemore at around 6.05pm on Sunday, February 25.

Previously, 34-year-old Ryan Byrne of Hathaway Green Lane in Stratford-upon-Avon, was charged with one count of murder and two counts of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.

George Stephens, aged 28, of no fixed abode, was charged with one count each of murder and Section 18 wounding with intent.

READ MORE: Man dead as police and ambulance descend on street

Tobias Bruce was killed in February.Tobias Bruce was killed in February. (Image: Family handout)

Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit has now made two additional arrests in connection with the murder investigation.

Two women, one aged 24 and the other aged 47, both from Stratford-Upon-Avon, were arrested yesterday (Thursday, September 4) on suspicion of assisting an offender.

They have both been released on bail.

Police announced back in May that an 18-year-old man from Birmingham was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

They also said that a 33-year-old man from Stratford-upon-Avon was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery.

READ MORE: Man NAMED and charged following town centre stabbing

They were both released on bail and the Oxfordshire police force revealed in June that both of the arrested men remain on bail while the police investigation continues.

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

Tobias’ family released a heartfelt statement last month and said: “It would be fair to say that being a parent is not always easy.

"Tobias at times has not always made the right choices in life, however my love as his mum has and always will be unconditional, it has never faltered.

“Nothing will ever be as hard as the challenge I face now as a mum that has to continue without my beautiful boy.

READ MORE: Murderer who killed man with baseball bat gets life in jail

The police scene back in February of this year.The police scene back in February of this year. (Image: Newsquest)

“To not hear his infectious laugh or his loud voice saying one of his many phrases 'get ya head down will ya', 'lovely bit of kit' or seeing his beautiful smile that lights up all of our lives.

“One thing without a doubt is he was never short of love.”

Several arrests have been made throughout the months as officers have continued to investigate the case.

A 36-year-old man from Birmingham was arrested on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and assisting an offender.

A 41-year-old man from Headington was also arrested on suspicion of two counts of attempted murder.

READ MORE: Man arrested as mass brawl with weapons and machetes breaks out at shop

A 30-year-old man from Botley was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and driving a motor vehicle with a proportion of a specific controlled drug above the specified limit.

Officers also arrested a 57-year-old woman from Headington on suspicion of assisting an offender.

They have since been released on conditional bail.

A 33-year-old man, previously arrested on suspicion of attempted murder has been released with no further action.

Help support trusted local news

Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe/

As a digital subscriber you will get:            

  • Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website        
  • Advert-light access             
  • Reader rewards             
  • Full access to our app