A YOUNG man has died after he was stabbed in the neck in a “cowardly” attack in a town centre bar.

A murder investigation is underway after 23-year-old Jason 'Jay Jay' Taylor was killed following a serious assault in Darwen town centre in the early hours of Sunday just after 1am.

His girlfriend Amber Greenwood paid tribute to her boyfriend in a Facebook post.

In the post she said: “Never in my life did I think pain of this extent was possible.

“I can’t come to terms with the fact that the rest of our lives together has been cut short and taken away from me.

“I never have and never will meet a more loved boy in my life and anyone who had the pleasure of you are the definition of lucky.

“You showed nothing but pure love and kindness every day since the day I met you.

“You helped me grow into the person I am today and I am literally nothing without you.

“I just hope I was able to give you all the happiness you deserve.”

Jason’s family also paid tribute to him on Facebook.

Mark Taylor said: “Goodnight and god bless you Jay Jay Taylor. Love you.”

Witnesses said the assault came after 20 people were seen fighting each other near the bar and towards the back of Vault bar, which is situated two buildings away from Esco-Bar. 

Detectives believe Jason had been inside the bar when he was approached by another man and assaulted before being stabbed in the neck.

The attacker fled from the scene with the victim walking out of the bar and collapsing.

Police are looking for Jack Costello, 45, with links to Darwen, in connection with the attack.

Jason was taken to Royal Preston Hospital for treatment but died this morning.

Following enquiries, officers are keen to trace Jack in connection with the investigation.

He is described as white, 5ft 10in tall, of stocky build, with short cropped hair and has a lazy eye.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and urging anyone who has seen him or knows where he is not to approach him, but instead contact police. 

Det Supt Simon Giles, of Lancashire Police’s Force Major Investigation Team, said: “These are tragic circumstances and my thoughts are very much with this man’s family and friends at this time.

“This was a cowardly, unprovoked attack and I would strongly urge anyone with information to make contact with police.

“We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in the bar and saw what happened."

Ian Rogers, who is the manager of Darwen’s Vault Bar, was working at the night venue on the night of the assault.

He said: "I didn't see too much because the incident took place at the back of the building.

“It started in Esco-Bar and came out onto the street.

"There was a brawl of about 20 people but I didn't a stabbing."

Cllr Roy Davies, who is the mayor of Darwen Town Council, said: “It’s absolutely terrible for this to happen.

“We need to wait until the police have completed their investigation to see if the police need more resources in Darwen at night.

"We can’t have a police officer on each street corner, particularly on a Saturday night, because they are clearly stretched at present.

"We do get a lot of people coming here from Bolton and Blackburn because Darwen is a booming night time economy but the last thing we want is for people not to come here because they don't feel safe."

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log reference 0102 of January 28.