BY LUCY CAULKETT
Police have today arrested a man at Gatwick Airport on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender in relation to the murder of 21 year old Josh Hanson in a bar in Eastcote on Sunday the 21stof October. Detectives from the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command(HMCC) arrested a 24 year old man on an inbound flight to the UK and took him to custody at a London police station. He is accused of perverting the course of justice in relation the attempt of police to solve the murder.
A 27 year old man by the name of Shane O’Brien from Ladbroke Grove has been on the run ever since the murder, and police desperately want to speak with him. In fact a £10,000 reward has been offered for any information leading to the arrest and prosecution of O’Brien. He is believed to have strong ties in the Ruislip area, though could be hiding anywhere in the country. The murdered man’s mother, Tracy, has put out an emotional appeal to catch his killer just days after his death. A crowdfunding page has raised thousands to help with funeral costs and to “help keep his memory alive” with their pending ‘Justice for Josh Hanson’ Charity.
Thugs who kill people in rage never want to do the time even though they have done the crime. The message needs to go out that it not acceptable to show extreme disregard for life and expect to go free. Someone needs to do the right thing and achieve justice for the dead man’s family and get rewarded handsomely for it too.
Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “We are very keen to speak to Shane O’Brien as part of our ongoing enquiries and we believe he could be anywhere in the UK.
“I would appeal directly to O’Brien to contact us, or ask that anyone who has seen him or who knows where he is to contact us as well. I do believe someone out there will know where he is.
“A substantial reward is now on offer to anyone with information that leads to O’Brien’s arrest and prosecution and we hope this will encourage someone to come forward.”
Shane is described as a white man, 6ft tall and of muscular build. He should not be approached by members of the public. Any sightings of him should be reported to police immediately on 999.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts can call the incident room on 020 8785 8099 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 55 111.
