A NATIONAL manhunt has been launched by detectives investigating the murder of a 21-year-old in an Eastcote bar.

Roads planner Josh Hanson, 21, of Kingsbury, died after an incident at the RE Bar in Field End Road at about 1.10am on Sunday, October 11.

Mr Hanson suffered a serious neck wound and London Ambulance Service attended but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Shane O'Brien, 27, of Ladbroke Grove, is being sought by officers who say they need to urgently speak to him.

Officers say although he has links to the Ruislip area, he could be anywhere in the country.

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 Shane 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."

Mr O'Brien is described as a white man, 6ft 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.

"We have had a positive response to our appeal but are still asking anyone who was in the RE bar between midnight and the time of the incident and has not yet contacted us to get in touch," added DCI McHugh.

"Josh was a hard-working young lad, up at 5am for his job as a roads planner and often working seven days a week. He had everything to live for and when he went out that Saturday night, no one could have imagined what would happen to him.

"His family is in pieces."

There have been no arrests at present and enquiries continue.

Anyone with information about Mr O'Brien's whereabouts can call the incident room on 020 8785 8099 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.