FLORAL tributes have been left on a Chorley street where a father was stabbed to death in broad daylight.

Michael Hunter, 33, was found with knife wounds in Avondale Road, at 4.37pm on Friday, September 24.

Bouquets from his children have been placed close to the scene where a police officer stood guard throughout the weekend.

One card read: "To our Loving Dad. We love you, Goodnight God Bless, love Sarah, Patricia and Thomas".

Mr Hunter, who was living nearby at Cotswold House, Cotswold Road, Chorley, was treated at the scene, next to Library House Surgery, but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

Staff from nearby businesses had rushed to his aid but he could not be revived.

It is believed Mr Hunter had recently been released from prison and was living at Cotswold House, a residential facility for people released from custody who have nowhere else to live.

A Chorley man has appeared in court charged with his murder. Dean Phillipp Charles Williams, 28, appeared before Chorley magistrates on Monday, September 27.

The case against Williams, of Harrison Road, was sent to Preston Crown Court for preliminary hearings.

No bail application was made and Williams, wearing a white T-shirt and jeans, was remanded in custody.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the incident. Anyone with information should call Chorley CID on 01257 269021 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Meanwhile police are also investigating a suspicious blaze at the home of Williams that occurred on Saturday, the day after the incident.

No-one was injured in the blaze, and the property has been boarded up for security reasons.

A 17-year-old girl appeared in Chorley Youth Court on Tuesday charged with criminal damage by fire with intent to destroy property and burglary.