A 20-YEAR-OLD man who was stabbed in St Helens on Sunday evening has died.

Police confirmed that the man, called Ryan Lamb, passed away in the early hours of this morning.

The incident happened at land off the rear of the Phoenix pub, off Canal Street, on Sunday.

The investigation is now a murder inquiry.

An 18-year-old man from Kensington who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder was bailed last night pending further enquiries.

A 21-year-old man from Huyton who was arrested on suspicion of assault remains in custody for questioning by detectives.

Police said earlier this week the incident is not thought to be gang-related or a targeted attack.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Sephton, who is leading the investigation, said: "Up to now the picture says this is not gang-related.

"At this moment in time, we're not sure what has caused this incident. We don't think it was targeted.

"We think it has manifested itself throughout Sunday."

He said there is not thought to be any link between this incident and any other knife crime incidents in the town.

Speaking about knife crime more generally, DCI Sephton added: "I don't think it's a trend to take a knife out. It is a fact that extreme violence does happen.

"I don't think by any means that it's any kind of epidemic in St Helens, it's nothing beyond what we're seeing nationally."

He added: "We are stepping up policing presence. We will be acting on intelligence and stop-check anyone acting furtively.

"Alongside the local authority, we will be looking to raise awareness of knife crime right across the area. In conjunction with our partners, we will be putting a 'keep safe' message out there – including in schools.

"This incident involved four young men only two or three years out of school. We will be targeting schools and explaining the perils of carrying weapons."