Mother and sister of murdered Josh Hanson to skydive in his memory on his 22nd birthday

Murdered: Josh Hanson
Metropolitan Police
Laura Proto27 February 2016

The mother and sister of murdered Josh Hanson will today take part in a skydive on what would have been his 22nd birthday.

Josh Hanson, 21, from Kingsbury, was stabbed in the neck while at RE Bar in Eastcote on October 11 last year.

He died at the scene and a post-mortem examination gave a cause of death as haemorrhage, inhalation of blood and an incised wound to his neck.

The clubber would have turned 22 today and to pay tribute, his mother Tracey and sister Brooke will embark on a skydive.

His mother explained: “Two years ago, Josh did a skydive to raise money for a girl in America who needed an operation, and he was so brave.

“It was suggested that a skydive would be a great way to celebrate his birthday this year. I am excited to feel closer to Josh through the skydive, but I am also petrified.”

Ms Hanson said every day was a “living nightmare” and she was not sure how to cope knowing her “amazing” son would not be able to celebrate his birthday.

She said: “Last year for Josh's 21st birthday I made a special Oreo cake and he loved it.

“This year I have had a similar cake made with Josh's face on it.

Missed: Josh Hanson was 21 when he was fatal stabbed outside a bar in Eastcote
Metropolitan Police

“This is surreal; I have never put my children's faces on cakes because they have always been there with me.”

Josh’s sister, Brooke said she was nervous about completing the skydive but said it was a “privilege” to take part in the challenge in her brother’s memory.

Officers investigating Mr Hanson’s death are continuing to appeal for the whereabouts of Shane O’Brien, 27, from Ladbroke Grove, who is being sought in connection with the murder.

Wanted for questioning: Shane O'Brien
Metropolitan Police

Detective chief inspector Noel McHugh, from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “Our work to locate and arrest O’Brien; and anyone who may be assisting him, continues.

“We remain totally focused on the investigation and achieving justice for Tracey, Brooke and all of Josh’s family and friends. However long it takes, we are not going to give up.

“As with any investigation, the public are our eyes and ears. People will have seen and heard things about where O'Brien is.

“I would appeal to anyone who may be contemplating whether they should make that call to the police to do the right thing and make the call.”

A £10,000 reward is available for information leading to O’Brien’s arrest and prosecution.

O’Brien is described as a white man, 6ft tall and of muscular build.

Police said he should not be approached and any sightings should be reported immediately on 999.

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