POLICE have launched a murder investigation after a man died in Bolton yesterday evening.

Shortly before 6.40pm yesterday, police were called to reports of a stabbing on Battenberg Road, Bolton.

Emergency services attended and a male, aged 25, was taken to hospital where he sadly later died.

Officers were subsequently called at around 8.40pm yesterday to additional reports that a male had been stabbed near to Lincoln Road, Bolton.

A man, age 41 - was taken to hospital with serious injuries. He remains in hospital in a stable condition and has since been arrested on suspicion of murder.

A 27-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of assault in relation to the stabbing on Lincoln Road. He remains in custody for questioning.

Both incidents are believed to be linked and enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding yesterday’s events.

There is believed to be no wider risk to the public.

An onlooker said: "I was driving through Chorley Old Road on my way to a friend's and saw a lot of emergency services on one side of the road.

"I stopped and asked some young kids what had happened and they told me someone had been stabbed.

"Knife crime has started in Bolton.

"I hoped nobody had been killed but later on social media I found out someone has sadly passed away. My condolences to the families. It's just so sad."

A 21-year-old female was also arrested in connection with the incident. She remains in police custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Dan Clegg, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “This was a tragic incident where a young man has sadly lost his life. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“Officers remain at both scenes and cordons are in place while we continue to investigate and piece together what happened yesterday.

“We would strongly urge anyone with information – including dashcam or CCTV footage from the area at the time of the incident – to please contact us on 0161 856 7382.”

Investigators have closed off Battenberg Street from Chorley Old Road while enquiries are ongoing.

Eyewitnesses have seen a police forensics tent erected halfway along the street in Heaton.

And the entrance to one home has also been sealed off.