UPDATED 9PM: Man detained at secure unit after fatal stabbing

Ian Dollery was stabbed to death outside his home in St Annes.

Ian Dollery, 51, was found with stab wounds around 11.30pm on Thursday night following reports a man had been assaulted outside an address on York Road.

Mr Dollery was taken by ambulance to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police have recovered a weapon but say they are yet to establish a motive for the attack.

Two men, a 47-year-old of no fixed address and a 54-year-old from Lytham, were arrested on suspicion of murder.

The 47-year old was detained at a secure unit pending a mental health assessment on Friday night, while the other man remained in police custody.

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Holmes, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “Our enquiries are on-going and Mr Dollery’s family are being supported by specially trained officers.

“At this time the motive for this brutal attack is unclear but it does not appear that Mr Dollery knew his attacker and this would seem to be an unprovoked and random attack with the most tragic of consequences.

Police have launched a murder investigation after a man was stabbed outside an address on York Road, St Annes

“The circumstances are that Mr Dollery was attacked by one man who then left the scene and was arrested a short time later. A second man was then subsequently arrested.

“We know this incident must be worrying for people in the local community and we have a number of extra officers on patrol in the area to try to offer reassurance.

“If anyone does have concerns they can approach any police officer who will be able to help.”

Specially trained officers are supporting relatives of Mr Dollery.

Police investigating a murder on York Road, St Annes, have cordoned off an alleyway

Detectives were at the scene on Friday and blocked off an alleyway as they searched for clues.

Residents reported a heavy police presence in the area following the attack, with part of the street being cordoned off.

A post mortem examination found Mr Dollery died of “multiple stab wounds”.

Detectives have appealed for anyone with information to call 101 quoting log 1561 of 18 June or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.