A TEENAGE father-to-be was stabbed to death after helping a friend protect his home from a gang of youths.

Seventeen-year-old Chris Cave died in the early hours of yesterday after the knife attack on the Lakes Estate, Redcar.

He had been watching a film with his friend when a group of youths gathered outside and began taunting them.

Neighbours described how the youths had thrown stones at the Burnmoor Close flat the previous night, cracking a window. They returned in the early hours of yesterday, shouting abuse.

Police said the young men went to confront the youths and a scuffle took place. The group left, but one returned later with a knife.

Chris was found bleeding to death on the stairs leading to the flat at about 2am. He lived in Redcar with his girlfriend, who is expecting a child in the New Year.

His mother said her son had been killed protecting his friend's flat from "bullies".

She said: "That was the sort of lad he was. He was brilliant and he would always help people and do anything for anyone. He was the best."

Police yesterday launched a murder inquiry and cordoned off the scene while forensic scientists examined the area.

Family friend Barbara Latimer, 37, of Burnmoor Close, was kept awake by the noise and ran to fetch Chris's mother when she knew he had been injured.

"She saw him as he was being taken to hospital - but she knew he was dead on the stairs," she said.

"It was really awful. There was a lot of shouting and they were making a right racket.

"His friend said Chris was running up the stairwell when he collapsed and started shaking," she added.

An ambulance was called to take him to Middlesbrough General Hospital but, despite frantic efforts, he died from his injuries.

Headteacher Kevin Mitchell, of Sacred Heart RC Comprehensive School, where Chris was once a pupil, said: "He had a kind and thoughtful nature and often gave his talents and efforts for the benefit of others."

Police do not believe his death was drug related.

"This young lad was not known to the police and there is every indication that he was a thoroughly decent young man," said Detective Superintendent Tom Stoddart.

A local man, aged 20, has been arrested and was yesterday being interviewed by police.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on (01642) 302689.