Family pay tribute to man stabbed to death: 'His smile showed true happiness'

The grieving family of a man stabbed to death have paid touching tribute to him and said his smile 'showed what true happiness looked like'.

Michael McCann, who was 35 and believed to be from the Bolton area, died following reports to police of a stabbing in The Haulgh area of the town, just outside Bolton town centre, last Friday evening.

Emergency services were called to Back Bradford Street and he was taken to hospital, where police said he sadly died from his injuries two days later. A man has been charged with his murder.

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Paying tribute to Mr McCann, who was known as Micky, his family said: "Our family will miss our brother's smile as it showed what true happiness looked like. Michael's sole purpose in life was the needs for his family. He will now miss out on being the brother and uncle that he wanted to be.

"We will always cherish the time we had together and the memories that we have all individually shared together. Although we had hoped for more than we have already, they will never be taken for granted."

Mr McCann's cousin added: "As a family we are in total shock and deeply devastated by this terrible news. Micky was like my younger brother and our three children loved their Uncle Micky.

"We can't believe we will never get to see his cheeky smile again. We will all miss you so much. We love you Micky."

Paul Simmons, 48, of Bradford Street in Bolton, has been charged with Mr McCann's murder. Jordan Downes, 31, of no fixed abode, is charged with assisting an offender. Kelly Hughes, 37, of no fixed abode, is charged with obstructing police.

All three were due to appear before Wigan and Leigh magistrates