A murderer was on the run in Oxford today (May 1) after stabbing a young man to death in the city last night.

The 23-year-old was stabbed in the chest after being involved in an argument outside the Blackbird Leys Community Centre, in Blackbird Leys Road, at about 6.15pm last night (April 30).

Police were called and tried to save the man's life until paramedics arrived. He was taken to Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital but pronounced dead upon arrival.

The motive for the attack is unclear but a link to drugs has not been ruled out.

Police have not named the victim but said he was married, black and from Littlemore.

Detectives said the incident was not believed to have been racially motivated.

Det Chief Insp Dave Lewis said: "We need the community's help in finding out who is responsible for this murder. This is very important because at present the offender is still at large.

"We are treating this as an isolated incident."

The managers of the community centre have been concerned about its reputation for drug dealing and bad behaviour.

Police said the community centre would be closed until further notice.

In February, committee member Dolcie Obiozele said that they were considering making it members-only to improve the centre's image.

Mr Lewis said that there should be a lot of witnesses to the incident and urged anyone who had seen anything to come forward.

A post mortem on the victim was due to take place today.

Anyone with information should call police on 0845 505505 or Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.