Police have advised members of the public not to approach him and to call 999 immediately if he is seen.
Detectives investigating the murder of a 19-year-old woman in Barnet have released an image of a man they urgently want to trace. Police are seeking 21-year-old James Duncan, from the Barnet area, who is known to the victim. Officers say he fled Dale Grove in Finchley at around midnight on Monday, 8 June, and has not yet been found despite police searches.
Emergency services were called to a property in Dale Grove shortly before 12:15am. Despite the efforts of paramedics from the London Ambulance Service, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
While officers initially responded to reports of gunshots, police said the cause of death has not yet been confirmed as a post-mortem examination is still to take place. Specialist officers are continuing to support the victim’s family.
Detective Chief Inspector Allam Bhangoo, who is leading the investigation, said officers are working continuously to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and locate Duncan.
“My team are working around the clock to locate James Duncan, and piece together the incident that resulted in the death of a much-loved young woman, daughter and sister,” he said.
“I urge people with information – especially those who have details on James’ whereabouts – or anyone with relevant doorbell or dashcam footage from Dale Grove to immediately contact police.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said the incident would understandably cause concern among local residents but stressed that investigators believe it to be isolated.
“Keeping residents safe is our top priority and I would like to provide reassurance that we believe this to be an isolated incident,” he said.
“As enquiries continue, residents will see an increased police presence in the area and I encourage anyone with concerns to speak with those officers on the ground.”
Police have advised members of the public not to approach Duncan and to call 999 immediately if he is seen.
Anyone with information about his movements or whereabouts is asked to contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference 34/8JUN.
