A MURDER investigation is underway after a man was found at a house with a stab wound to the chest.

Emergency services were called to a property on Napier Close, St Helens at 8.40pm on Sunday to a report that a man in his 40s had been stabbed.

He was taken to hospital, where his death was confirmed.

A 34-year-old man from St Helens has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

He has been taken to a police station in Merseyside to be interviewed.

At this time, the victim is yet to be formally identified and his next of kin have been informed.

A Home Office post-mortem will take place to establish the cause of death.

A police cordon and a forensic tent remain in place this morning after the incident.

The scene on Napier Close, St Helens had been sealed off on Sunday night along with other areas nearby.

A forensic tent has been set up at the front of a house and a large cordon is in place.

Neighbours have been speaking of their shock.

One neighbour said to the Star: "All we saw was police arrive around 8.30pm to 9pm and then we all ran down to see what had happened.

"We just got told a man was on the floor getting seen to and could see as paramedics tried to help.

"We feel a bit shook up, it's really close to home."

They added: "This place is getting run down to be honest with drug dealing and it's full of rubbish and rats out of the alleyways. 

"It's a lovely street and the neighbours but when you see something like that it doesn't do the commnity any good. 

St Helens Star: The scene sent in by a Star reader The scene sent in by a Star reader

"It's frightening, you're scared for your children. It's not right and something seems to be happening every week now."

Another said: "I didn't hear anything, I was in the living room and saw lights and came out and saw the road chocka with police.

"I've been here five years and this is the first major thing that's happened."

One resident added: "I was having a nap and heard a lot of thudding and it was people running.

"I saw police cars and then paramedics pumping someone's chest on the floor, I nearly threw up.

"It's not nice to witness, to actually see it first hand. It's been playing in my mind, I feel sick to my stomach."

St Helens Star: The scene last night Pic: Robbob The scene last night Pic: Robbob

Detectives are appealing for anyone who has any information about this incident to contact police on 0151 777 6041, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.