A man has been found guilty of manslaughter after a violent argument broke out between acquaintances on Boxing Day.

Jurejs Vankovs, 39, of no fixed address, was found guilty of manslaughter in relation to the death of 49-year-old Michael Murphy.

Michael died after an altercation with Vankovs around 3am on December 26, 2023, in Cranwood Street, EC1.

Witnesses reported that the two, who knew each other, got into an argument that escalated into violence.

Vankovs pursued Michael, who fell to the ground.

As Michael raised his leg to defend himself, police say Vankovs was seen making a stabbing motion.

Michael cried out that he had been stabbed as Vankovs walked away.

Michael MurphyMichael Murphy (Image: MPS)

Despite public assistance and paramedics' efforts, Michael died at the scene from an arterial injury caused by the attack.

Detectives launched an investigation, gathering CCTV footage of Vankovs' movements as he fled.

Known for his “transient lifestyle” around Hackney, Vankovs was found and arrested on New Year’s Day.

Although he refused to answer detectives' questions, he was charged with Michael’s murder.

The trial concluded at Wood Green Crown Court on Wednesday (July 17), with sentencing to be determined at a later date.

Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen who led the investigation said: “Michael’s life was taken away in a matter of seconds as a result of completely unnecessary violence by Jurejs Vankovs.

“Whatever the trigger was for this fatal attack, the level of aggression used by Vankovs was completely disproportionate to the threat he faced.

“With Michael lying defenceless on the ground, Vankovs had a choice of how to conclude their altercation - he chose to stab him, causing Michael an injury that he could not survive.

“This choice has left Michael’s family, and those who knew him, completed devastated and he must now face up to the consequences of his actions.”