Police believe a murder suspect, who was last seen shopping in Ashford, has fled to Dubai.

Shane O'Brien, 28, is thought to be using a false identity and police believe he is being helped.

O'Brien is wanted in connection with the violent and brutal killing of 21-year-old Josh Hanson a year ago.

Josh died after an unprovoked knife attack at a bar in Hillingdon, west London.

Police issued an appeal to find O'Brien, of Ladbroke Grove, west London shortly after the incident, but he disappeared and was last seen shopping at the Ashford Designer Outlet.

Officers believe O'Brien travelled to the Netherlands after Josh's death but police now believe he is in Dubai.

No one was arrested on the night but investigating officers have said they need to "urgently speak" to O’Brien, who is described as a white man, 6ft tall, with grey eyes and short dark brown hair.

He may be using the name Troy O'Brien.

Josh's mum Tracey and his sister Brooke have been campaigning against knife crime, fighting for justice and appealing for information.

In an emotional plea on the Justice For Josh Hanson Facebook page, Tracey wrote: "Josh's young life was snatched from him in the most horrific of ways and every second, minute and hour of everyday that has passed since then has been filled with heartache and pain.

"I am angry because we grieve without justice, but I pray that justice comes soon for my beautiful boy."

Tracey and her family have urged anyone with information to contact the police.

Officers have warned that O'Brien should not be approached by members of the public and any sightings of him should be reported to police immediately on 999.

Met Police Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh said: "O’Brien was quickly named as someone we urgently needed to trace and we have tracked his movements across Europe and then to Dubai where we believe he still is.

"Clearly he is being helped by others to evade police and has the ability to move around without using his own identity, but we have a substantial reward available for anyone who can provide information that brings him before the courts.

"If you know anything - even if you think your information is small and insignificant - please come forward.

"Josh’s family have been so strong but they need to see the person who killed him brought to justice. As time goes on they are finding the situation desperately difficult and we really need the public’s help to find O’Brien."

Members of the public are advised not to approach him and to call 999.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Met Police incident room on 020 8785 8099. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.