A MAN from Moreton-in-Marsh has been charged in connection with the murder of Oxford teenager Connor Tremble who died after being stabbed.

The 17-year-old was repeatedly stabbed in his flat in Oxford’s Fairacres Road on Thursday, February 13 before being taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital where his life support machine was switched off two days later.

Grant Clemens, 23, of Stockwells in Moreton-in-Marsh, has been charged by Thames Valley Police with assisting an offender.

He appeared before magistrates in Oxford on Friday, February 21 and was remanded in custody until an appearance at the city’s crown court on Friday, February 28.

William Blencowe, 20, of Oxford Road in Banbury, has been charged with the murder of Connor Tremble and has kept in custody following two court appearances last week.

Moreton resident Mr Clemens is accused of providing Mr Blencowe with clothes in order to impede the prosecution.

A post-mortem examination, which was carried on Sunday, February 16, did not confirm the exact cause of Connor Tremble’s death although it is believed that he was stabbed repeatedly in his chest, legs and hands.

Martin Smith, Connor’s father, described him as a “happy-go-lucky boy, a dearly loved son, big brother and grandson”.

He said: “He will hold a place in my heart until the day that I die. Wherever he is, may he have found peace and comfort. He will be greatly missed.”

Mark Glover, Detective Chief Inspector of Thames Valley Police’s major crime unit, said: “We have launched a murder investigation and I would appeal to anyone with information about this incident to contact police.

“I would like to reassure members of the community that a team of detectives are working hard to establish the circumstances of what happened. This is not believed to be a random attack.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Thames Valley Police on 101.