A MURDER inquiry has been launched after a man was stabbed to death in the street in broad daylight.

Wayne Bircham, 19, died from a single stab wound to his chest just after 2pm, on Sunday. He staggered more than 100 yards along Lancaster Road, in Grangetown, Teesside, before collapsing unconscious.

An ambulance was called by a passer-by and Mr Bircham was rushed to Middlesbrough General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A Home Office pathologist carried out a post-mortem examination the same night.

Yesterday, a team of 30 officers was conducting house-to-house inquiries and a search for the murder weapon continued.

Mr Bircham, single and of no fixed address, was known to be a drug user. Detective Superintendent Tony Hutchinson said it was too soon to determine a motive for his murder.

"The inquiry is at its early stages, and the reasons for the attack are unclear," he said. "We do not have any suspects."

As part of their investigation, police are examining closed-circuit television footage from the scene. Among the clues they are looking at are signs of someone seen with Mr Bircham prior to the attack.

Det Supt Hutchinson said: "There is some suggestion that, at some stage, he was with a friend. Whether he witnessed the attack, I do not know."

Officers are also trying to find out why Mr Bircham was in Lancaster Road on Sunday afternoon.

Det Supt Hutchinson said: "He tended to frequent the area and I am sure he has friends and associates there. I do not know what his movements were prior to the attack."

Mr Bircham's family, from the Teesside area, are said to be devastated by his death.

Det Supt Hutchinson appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

"This was an appalling attack in the middle of a Sunday afternoon, and I am sure there must be people who saw the attack, or know about it," he said.

"No one, irrespective of their lifestyle, deserves to die in this manner."

People are asked to contact (01642) 302690