Preston murder: Two released as detectives granted more time to question four juveniles

Two boys aged 16 and two girls aged 15 and 16 are still in custody following the death of the man in his 20s on Friday night.

Police have so far not released the identity of the victim who, according to social media, is said to be a 28-year-old from the Ribbleton area of the city.

Six arrests were made in the hours after the stabbing in Raikes Road, near to Ribbleton Lane.

This afternoon police said a man and a woman, both aged 18, had now been "released no further action."

But a spokesman said officers had now been granted more time to question the remaining four who are all juveniles.

The victim was treated for chest wounds by paramedics at the scene of the stabbing and rushed to the Royal Preston Hospital, but died shortly after arrival.

A post mortem examination found his death was due to stab wounds.

Det Ch Insp Mark Haworth-Oates, of Lancashire Police’s Force Major Investigation Team, said: “We now have four people in custody and we have a dedicated team of detectives working across a number of enquiries.

“I would urge any witnesses, who have yet to speak to police, to come forward and tell us what they know.

“This is the second fatal stabbing in Preston in the last month and I understand that people in the local community may be concerned.

"These two offences are not linked but the outcome is that two families in Preston have now been left devastated by the impact of knife crime.

"I would urge to anyone thinking about carrying a knife to seriously consider the consequences – you could end up jailed, injured or killed.

“Local residents will see an increase in patrols in the area and should you have concerns or any information, then please approach our officers who will be on hand to help.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log 1135 of July 8.

Alternatively independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.