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An officer standing guard at a police scene is asked to lay a floral tribute.

An awful crime has been committed.

The street has been teeming with forensics teams for hours in the wake of the tragedy.

Evidence markers sit in precise spots as crime scene investigation officers quietly go about their work.

As night falls, a Manchester community is coming to terms with what has happened.

Yards from people's front doors, a man was attacked. Locals say he was a 'nice guy'.

A murder inquiry was launched after the 39-year-old died in hospital.

Around six hours after the assault, he passed away.

Now Whitstable Road in Moston is a crime scene.

Emergency crews arrived on the estate shortly before 4.50am this morning (February 18).

The victim was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.

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He suffered stab wounds to his arm and chest, Greater Manchester Police said.

Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he died shortly after 11am.

Three men arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the early hours stabbing have been released. No further action will be taken against them.

A 21-year-old man is currently being questioned under caution on suspicion of affray.

The victim is understood to have family in the area.

His loved ones have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. He hasn't yet been named.

Police have ramped up patrols in the area, but detectives believe the stabbing is an isolated incident.

Officers remained at the scene of the stabbing as darkness fell on Thursday evening.

A cordon remains in place and officers are expected to remain in the area for another day at least.

Thomas Yaw, who was working at the local mini market on Teddington Road, said of the victim: "He was a regular customer, in here all the time.

"He was a nice guy, we never had any problem with him.

"He used to chat when he came in. He was a nice man.

"Its horrible.

"The first thing I saw was police when I came into the shop."

One neighbour told the Manchester Evening News said: "Its shocking.

I didn't hear anything overnight, but this morning the police were all here.

Residents reported seeing a helicopter circling the area at around 5.30am.

Another neighbour said his mum heard the helicopter overhead in the early hours.

"I was asleep but when I woke up I saw all this," they added.

"The police have been here all day."

Investigators from Greater Manchester Police (GMP)'s Major Incident Team are appealing to the public for any information.

Detective Inspector Gareth Davies said the victim was stabbed a number of times after leaving an address on Whitstable Road.

"This is a devastating incident and our thoughts immediately lie with the man's family and ensuring that they get all the answers possible as to what has tragically happened here.

"Our investigation is in its infancy and there are several lines of enquiry we are pursuing to begin to ascertain the circumstances of this incident but it is vital we hear from any members of the public with information - a man has lost his life and if you know something I implore you to get in touch.

"What we do know is that the victim had left an address on Whitstable Road and was found a short time later to have been stabbed a number of times - injuries which have proved to be fatal.

"We are keen to speak to anyone who lives around the area and who may have even the slightest bit of information that may support us with our investigation."

Anyone with information should call 0161 856 2450 quoting incident 331 of 18/02/2021.

Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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As night fell, the police work continued - and a community was coming to terms with an awful crime - Manchester Evening News