POLICE in America have launched a manhunt for a Swindon man on suspicion of murdering a 26-year-old in Chicago.

Andrew Warren, who works at Oxford University, is wanted by officers along with and Wyndham Lathem, a 42-year-old microbiology professor at Northwestern University in Illinois.

Warrants for their arrest were issued on Monday after police found victim Trenton Cornell-Duranleau repeatedly stabbed in Lathem's apartment on July 27.

Warren, who goes by the name of Andy, is in charge of payroll and pensions at Somerville College, according to a university web page which has since been deleted.

Court files give his address as the Oxford college but he says he lives in Swindon on Facebook.

He also says he previously worked as a cashier and a driver for Stagecoach West.

Somerville College said this morning: "We were informed of the events regarding Senior Treasury Assistant, Andrew Warren, late on Wednesday evening, 2 August.

“We have been in contact with the police in the UK and are ready to help the US investigating authorities in any way they need. Andrew Warren’s colleagues at Somerville College have now all been informed and are shocked to learn of the case."

The following message was sent to the Somerville community from the Principal, Alice Prochaska this morning: "Dear Colleagues,

"There is a tragic news story in today’s press and media, and on many web sites, which many of you will have seen already. It tells us that there is a warrant out for the arrest of our colleague Andrew Warren in the Treasury, on a charge of murder in Chicago.  Neither the College nor the university were aware of the case, which is clearly extremely worrying. We and the university authorities will liaise with the investigating authorities and provide any assistance that is required.

"This comes as upsetting news to all of us. Counselling support can be made available to anyone who needs it.  Please speak to your manager if you feel that you do."