Police have identified a man they want to speak to over the killing of a father-of-nine in East Oxford.

Police yesterday released a picture of this man — who goes by several aliases, including ‘Champagne’ — in their hunt for the killer of Devon McPherson. The 42-year-old’s ex-partner also appealed for help finding him.

Mr McPherson, of Divinity Road, East Oxford, collapsed after being stabbed in the neck two weeks ago. He had been seen arguing with a man in Ridgefield Road shortly before.

Detectives will not release the wanted man’s name at this stage, but have advised people not to approach him.

They believe he may have left Oxford and are appealing for help in tracing him.

Victoria Shepherd, 34, a former partner and mother of two of Mr McPherson’s children, said: “I want whoever did this to be caught. I want peace of mind for my children.

“They went back to school yesterday and it is very difficult for them.

“There has to be someone who knows who and where he is. That person needs to be found. I hope they can find it in their heart to come forward.

“Think of the children and people hurting now. They must have a conscience. What if it was the father of your children?”

Det Chief Insp Mick Saunders, leading the murder investigation, said: “We have been given several names for this man but have not, as yet, been able to contact him.

“We wish to speak with him and urge him, or anyone who knows him or his whereabouts, to contact police immediately.

“Information suggests that he has left the Oxford area and may have gone to London.

“His part, if any, in the murder is still unclear, so police would advise people not to approach him, but contact the police.”

Mr McPherson, a painter and decorator, was originally from Luton but had lived in Oxford for the past 15 years.

He has nine children and a girlfriend was expecting twins.

Ms Shepherd added: “It’s a terrible thing that’s happened. After he was stabbed Devon knew he was going to die.

“He was a hustler and used to make money doing this and that, but he never took drugs. He was a family man. We always believed Devon was indestructible.”

Officers have four possible motives for the murder, including drugs but would not comment any further.

Police have raided three homes in Oxford and carried out a fingertip search of Ridgefield Road but no arrests have been made and no murder weapon found.

The man nicknamed Champagne was described as black, of medium build, with dark, cropped hair and speaks with a heavy Jamaican accent.

Anyone with information should call the Major Crime incident room on 01865 293929 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

mwilkinson@oxfordmail.co.uk