POLICE have named the victim of last night's stabbing in Prescot as 54-year-old Thomas Grace.

In a short statement, police confirmed the identity of the man who was fatally stabbed as Thomas Grace from Prescot, known to family and friends as 'Tommy'.

Residents have spoken their shock after the 54-year-old man died after he was stabbed in Prescot last night.

A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the victim was found in Beaconsfield, Prescot, having sustained a serious stab wound.

At around 9.30pm the ambulance service requested assistance and the victim was taken to hospital and was died at 10.12pm.

Police cordons are in place around the Beaconsfield estate and part of Cyprus Street and Ackers Street leading into the estate.

Forensic enquiries are being carried out, while police dogs, and patrols are currently in the area to provide a high-visibility reassurance and to make extensive CCTV, house-to-house and witness enquiries.

A nearby resident said: "I know a man tried to save him.

"I feel terrible. I wouldn't go out at night anyway. You just never know at the minute. It's terrible and scary."

A taxi driver added: "It's horrible – this area is not the best anyway but police can't come around here unless something like this happens and it's because of cut backs.

"To be honest I feel sorry for them they can't do their job properly and things like this will keep happening.”

A resident of the Beaconsfield estate added: “Apparently he was coming in with his shopping. I never seen him be nasty or violent to anyone.

“He seemed like a nice enough guy, I just don’t understand why someone would do this we are all shocked.

“I have two cats and my door is always open for them to get in and out but this has made me feel unsafe.”

Detective Chief Inspector John Griffith said: "Our investigation is at an extremely early stage and we are trying to establish exactly what happened.

"We are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously around the area of Beaconsfield last night.

"If you have home CCTV or dashcam footage and were in the vicinity of Beaconsfield, please check the footage as you may hold evidence which could assist with the investigation. As always, our communities are vital to tackling knife crime, which can clearly have devastating consequences.

"I would urge anyone with information to come forward, and I assure you that we will listen, and take positive action."

Anyone with information is urged to call Merseyside Police on 0151 7776041, the non-emergency 101 number or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Information can also be provided via their online form: crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online.

The victims next-of-kin have been informed.