Cash scattered all over road at crash scene where schoolboy, 15, arrested for murder of driver, 19

Police have arrested three teenagers including a 15-year-old schoolboy for the murder of a 19-year-old who was stabbed to death after a car chase. 

The victim named locally as Josh Harling, 19, was knifed to death in Thame on Wednesday evening. 

Banknotes were seen scattered in the road by his upturned grey hatchback car as police arrested a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of murder nearby.

Two other men – both aged 19 – have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody. 

The town is often used to shoot scenes for the ITV detective series Midsomer Murders. 

One local said: ‘This is not something you expect in Thame. A car chase and a stabbing is what you associate with the inner city.

‘The boy they arrested was in the second car that was following the one that turned over.’

Another said: ‘People are saying it is drug-related.’

The car was still at the scene this morning as police worked to establish how it crashed

The handcuffed schoolboy, 15, is led away by officers after he was arrested over the murder

The handcuffed schoolboy, 15, is led away by officers after he was arrested over the murder

One local resident, who did not wish to be named, told how money was scattered all over the road at the scene of the killing.

‘I think the fight was over more than a £20 bag of drugs, there was money scattered all over the road. I have a friend who was at the scene and he told me that,’ he suggested. 

There were suggestions online the crash was connected to a fight involving a gang of youths – but police have not commented.

Onlookers filmed the attack on mobile phones and were urged to hand over the footage to Thames Valley Police officers. 

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Mike Roddy appealed for witnesses to come forward who may have seen anything suspicious. 

Thame, which is named after the river, is a quiet town and was previously known for being the home of late Bee Gees legend Robin Gibb. 

The area’s fire crews were also called to the crash amid fears someone may have needed to be cut out of a vehicle.  

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: ‘The Major Crime Unit is continuing an investigation following the launch of a murder inquiry yesterday in Thame.

‘This is after a 19-year-old man from Oxfordshire was found with injuries in Chinnor Road, Thame, shortly after 7pm. Paramedics were also in attendance but the man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The murder victim's car was seen flipped onto its back in the middle of the road in Thame

The murder victim’s car was seen flipped onto its back in the middle of the road in Thame

‘The family of the man continue to be supported by our officers.

‘Today two further arrests have been made of two 19-year-old men, one from Oxfordshire and the other from Buckinghamshire. They have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody at this time.

‘A 15-year-old boy from Oxfordshire also remains in custody after he was arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday.

‘The Oxfordshire coroner has been informed and formal coronial processes will be carried out in due course. A number of road closure and scene watches remain in place at this time.’

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Bosley, said: ‘This is a fast moving inquiry and detectives and specialist forensic and search teams are working hard to establish exactly what happened.

‘We have now made three arrests in connection with this investigation, two 19-year-old men, and a 15-year-old boy have all been arrested on suspicion of murder. They remain in custody at this time.

Thames Valley Police cordoned off the lane while they collected evidence from the scene

Thames Valley Police cordoned off the lane while they collected evidence from the scene

‘We believe that there are a number of witnesses to this incident and we would ask anyone with information who has not already contacted us including anybody who may have mobile phone, dash cam or CCTV footage to contact us on 101 or alternatively information can be reported online via the Major Incident Police Portal.

‘We would also ask anybody who has such footage not to share it on social media due to the distress this could clearly cause to the victim’s family and the wider public. If you have such material please provide it to the police.’

Chief Inspector Matthew Bullivant, Deputy LPA Commander for South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse, said: ‘I understand that this news will be distressing for the local Thame community and I would like to reassure you that as we progress the investigation our officers and staff are out in your local neighbourhood, so please feel free to approach and speak to them if you have any concerns.

‘In order to continue our inquiries, road closures remain in place in Chinnor Road at the junction with Queens Road, Dormer Road at the junction of Garden City and Cotmore Gardens at the junction of Cotmore Close.

Forensic officers were scene working into the night at the scene aided by police floodlights

Forensic officers were scene working into the night at the scene aided by police floodlights

‘I understand that this will cause significant disruption for local residents and we appreciate your continued support and patience at this time. These road closures are necessary for us to gather the evidence needed to progress the investigation.

‘Vehicular access is currently not permitted but my officers will be managing access for those on foot and we will do our utmost to lift these restrictions at the earliest opportunity.

‘I am aware that a video capturing some of the incident may be circulating online and I ask that you please refrain from sharing this on social media.

‘It is really important that anyone with information about what happened, comes forward. You can contact police by calling 101 or reporting online via our website. The reference number to quote is URN 1152 (22/7). Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

‘Finally, I would like to personally thank the Thame community for the understanding and cooperation that they have shown so far and that I know will continue as this investigation develops.’