POLICE last night named a man who died after he was stabbed in the chest as 42-year-old Colin David Scott.

Officers found him slumped in a chair and bleeding heavily at his home early yesterday.

Paramedics were called and he was taken to hospital, but died from his wound an hour-and-a-half later.

A 34-year-old woman, believed to be Mr Scott's partner, was arrested on suspicion of murder and was last night still being questioned at Hartlepool police station. She was found with minor injuries.

Officers recovered an 8in knife from the flat in Birch Walk, on Hartlepool's Dyke House estate.

Police were alerted shortly before 3am by neighbours who heard a disturbance. It is thought the man's death may have resulted from a domestic incident.

The area around the flat remained sealed off last night as forensic experts continued to work.

A post-mortem examination revealed that Mr Scott died as a result of a stab wound.

Detective Inspector Peter Jones said: "Officers who went to the scene found a 42-year-old man slumped in a chair in the living room.

"He had severe injuries, was bleeding heavily and barely alive.

"Paramedics were called and he was taken to Hartlepool General Hospital in a critical condition where, sadly, he later died.

"This would appear to be a domestic-related incident, and I can say the police have knowledge of both the victim and the woman, who is in custody.

"However, we are appealing for people with any information whatsoever that can help with our inquiries.

"While it was the early hours of the morning, we are keen to speak to anyone who may have heard noises coming from this flat or people who may have been walking past and seen something."

Anyone with information is asked to call Hartlepool police on (01642) 302126, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.