Murder investigation launched in Rochdale following horror stabbing

A murder investigation has been launched in Rochdale following a horror stabbing. Police are at the scene on Essex Street and Sussex Street following the incident in the early hours of New Year's Day (January 1).

A blue evidence tent has been erected. Police were called to a 'disturbance' in the street in the early hours. A man, 38, suffered a 'severe knife wound' in the incident at around 2.30am.

Paramedics battled to save him, but he died at the scene. His family has been informed. A man aged 30 suffered 'serious' injuries, police said. He is in hospital in a stable condition.

GMP said in a statement: "Whilst no formal arrests have been made as yet, we are not currently seeking anyone else in connection with this incident.

"Initial enquiries suggest this was an isolated and targeted attack involving two people, and there is no wider threat to the community."

A scene remained in place on Wednesday afternoon as the investigation continued. Detectives are speaking to neighbours as forensic specialists trawl the scene for evidence.

Extra officers are patrolling the area to reassure neighbours as detectives appeal for information.

We'll bring you any updates later this evening.

Cordons remain in place in Rochdale. They are expected to remain in place throughout the morning.

Rochdale murder investigation: cordons remain in place on Essex Street and Sussex Street, and I’m told they’ll remain in place until the morning pic.twitter.com/p2ozv5v5qC

Police had been called to an earlier incident on the street according to takeaway staff working in the area.

Rochdale murder investigation: staff at the various takeaways here on Milkstone Road tell me police were here about two hours before the fatal stabbing having been called to