Police in Oxford, England are investigating the murder of an art, antiques, and rare books dealer after he was stabbed in the hallway of his home in a “vicious and sustained attack” on Thursday afternoon.

According to Thames Valley Police, 42-year-old Adrian Greenwood was killed after suffering “multiple stab wounds to the chest and neck.”

Detective Chris Ward, Head of Thames Valley Major Crimes Unit, said in a statement, “It is very likely that the offender may have injuries as a result of this altercation.”

In a press release published on Monday, police revealed that they arrested a 50-year-old man on Saturday in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire on suspicion of the murder. Meanwhile, a 26-year-old suspect who was arrested in connection to the crime on Thursday night was released without charge on Saturday.

“We are keeping an open mind in terms of the motive,” Ward said. “I anticipate further arrests will be made as the investigation continues.”

Adrian Greenwood.
Photo: Thames Valley Police.

On Sunday the Telegraph speculated that the dealer may have been killed by a disgruntled customer after a deal went wrong. According to the British daily, police have been investigating Greenwood’s recent business dealings.

Reverend James Paice, who studied with Greenwood at Oxford University, described him as “a very sociable, witty, amusing and liable person…” He noted, however: “He liked to wheel and deal.”

Police have asked anyone with potential leads to come forward.
Photo: Thames Valley Police.

Greenwood, who sold first edition books, reportedly also struck gold with a work by street artist Banksy. In 2011, according to BBC News, he sold a curiously locked bank safe featuring two stencils of parachuting rats for £60,000 ($85,600).