Police said they had come close to finding Oxfordshire’s most wanted man on several occasions as they appealed for the public’s help in their search.

Officers are hunting 33-year-old Rohan Crooks in connection with an attempted murder, after a cyclist was left fighting for his life after a hit-and-run in Blackbird Leys in October 2008.

The incident followed an altercation involving two men outside Ladbrokes bookmaker’s in Blackbird Leys Road.

A year ago today, Det Insp Simon Morton, of Oxford CID, appealed for anyone who knew where Crooks was to contact police.

He said the public could still have vital information about his whereabouts – and warned Crooks that detectives would not stop looking for him.

Mr Morton said a number of arrests had been made relating to the altercation but no charges brought.

He said: “We have been close on a number of occasions, but we have not caught him yet.

“This case isn’t going to go away, it’s not something we will close.

“He will be wanted for attempted murder until he’s found.

“If he reads this, then his best course of action is to give himself up. We’re not going to stop until we have found him.”

Police believe Crooks aimed his green Lexus at the cyclist following an argument, then dragged him along under the car for about 40ft to the junction of Blackbird Leys Road and Cuddesdon Way.

The cyclist survived, but his injuries were so severe the man was in hospital for almost a month.

Mr Morton added: “Crook is still Oxfordshire’s most wanted. This investigation is still live and we’re still looking at possible lines of inquiry.

“Anyone who knows his whereabouts would be really useful to us.

“I do not believe he is in Oxfordshire. There’s a good possibility he’s still in this country and my best guess would be London.

“We’ve got eyes and ears out there and if he was in the county, I’m sure we would know.”

Mr Morton would not be drawn on the lines of inquiry he was pursuing, but urged people to get in touch with him if they knew where Crooks was.

He said: “Please contact me personally. Don’t approach him, don’t speak to him. Just call the police.

“This isn’t just a road traffic accident, this was done deliberately, it’s attempted murder and that’s what we’re investigating.”

Crooks is about 5ft 8in tall, slim, with distinctive green eyes and bandy legs.

Anyone with information should call Mr Morton on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.