A MURDER investigation has been launched after a 23-year-old man died from a single stab wound to the chest.

Police were called to a disturbance in the Grove Hill area of Middlesbrough, at about 10.30pm on Thursday, after calls from the public.

A 23-year-old man, named locally as Craig Stephenson, was found fatally wounded on the pavement near the house in Keith Road, where the incident is believed to have happened.

He was taken to the nearby James Cook University Hospital, but died later of his injuries. The victim has yet to be formally identified but his family are being spoken to by specially-trained police officers.

Two local men, aged 18 and 20, are helping police with their inquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Rob Donaghy, who is leading the investigation, said that a number of objects had been recovered from the area but could not say whether the murder weapon had been found.

He said: "We have found a number of items but we are still waiting for the results of forensic examination."

A number of residents have responded to police calls for details, but anyone with information is still urged to come forward.

Det Chief Inp Donaghy said: "The inquiry is at an early stage and we are starting to build up the bigger picture. We have specialist search teams out on the street looking for further evidence to continue that process."

Flowers and cards have been left in the street, next to the tree where the victim was found in a pool of blood.

The area remains sealed off while forensic investigations and door-to-door inquiries are carried out.

Det Chief Inp Donaghy added: "We would appeal for anyone with further information to come forward."

A force spokesman said police had been called to a report of an earlier disturbance, at about 6.30pm, but when officers arrived the area was calm.

A post-mortem examination confirmed the man died as a result of a stab wound to the chest.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room, on (01642) 303189 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.