A murder in Thetford has “all the hallmarks of being connected to County Lines”, as police introduce extra patrols and an information hub a week on from the fatal stabbing.

Thetford & Brandon Times: David Lawal, 25, was murdered in Thetford. Picture: Norfolk ConstabularyDavid Lawal, 25, was murdered in Thetford. Picture: Norfolk Constabulary (Image: Archant)

On Thursday October 3, members of the public battled to save David Lawal, 25, on the side of the A134 Brandon Road shortly after 7pm.

Officers on patrol in the area found people giving first aid to Mr Lawal, who was pronounced dead just before 8pm.

A post mortem examination concluded that Mr Lawal died from a single stab wound to the neck and upper chest area.

A week on, as the investigation into the murder continues, police say it may be connected to County Lines and have set up extra patrols around Canterbury Way and Durham Way, along with an information hub as they appeal for more people to come forward with information.

County Lines are criminal networks spread across 41 counties in the UK, but run by drugs gangs in London.

Detective Chief Inspector Phillip Gray, who is leading the murder investigation, said: "This a complex and fast-moving investigation and our enquiries to date suggest this murder has all the hallmarks of being connected to County Lines, and those involved were known to each other.

"I want to appeal again to anybody who may have been in the area at the time - Brandon Road, Canon's Close, Canterbury Way and Durham Way, particularly motorists with dash cam footage to come forward and share that with us.

"Help us to build a picture of the circumstances leading up and after the murder. Please tell us about anything you might have seen or heard so we can understand what happened."

MORE: Family pay tribute to Thetford murder victimTwo men, aged 26 and 29, were arrested in connection with the incident and have been released under investigation, while a 17-year-old male has been bailed until October 30.

A fourth man, aged 48, has been arrested in connection with the incident on suspicion of possessing a bladed article and Class A drugs, but has been released under investigation.

A fifth man, in his 60s, has also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, but released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Any witnesses or anyone with information that may help the investigation can share this with the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team online at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/363719N41-PO1.

They can also telephone Norfolk Police on 101 and quote reference Operation Petersfield and a member of the enquiry team will call them back. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at www.crimestoppers.co.uk