A TEENAGER has died from stab wounds after a street fight in Colne.

Sean Whyte, 17, of North Street, Colne, was found collapsed close to his home by police at about 10.20pm last night.

He was taken to Burnley General Hospital and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Police said officers had attended the scene after reports of a number of people fighting in the street.

Two Asian men were arrested and were due to be questioned at Burnley police station today.

Neighbour Georgina Dalson, 28, of North Street, said: "I heard shouting and screaming in the street and then a girl screaming. I looked out and I could see Sean lying in the street.

"I didn't know him very well but he seemed a really nice lad. Everyone round here is shellshocked. There has been trouble before but nothing like this."

Another resident, who asked not to be named, said: "There has been trouble round here before but no one has ever done anything about it. Maybe now it can be stopped."

Shopkeeper Sementha Coalton has worked in North Street for 16 years. She said: "I thought things were getting better round here. People have been building a really good community and then you get something like this.

"Everybody is really shocked."

Coun Frank Clifford, of Brierfield Ward, who lives in Colne, said: "This is a terrible tragedy, absolutely awful. I know North Street reasonably well and it has always seemed like a pretty relaxed area.

"I am certainly not aware of any trouble in that area."

An incident room has been set up at Colne police station and the senior investigating officer is Detective Superintendent Michael Gradwell.

He said: "We have arrested two people in connection with the fatal stabbing of Sean Whyte and will be speaking to them.

"I would appeal for anyone with information about this tragic incident or anyone who witnessed it to come forward and contact police.

"Anyone with information can contact the incident room via Burnley Police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Police cordoned off the street overnight and today a section of North Street was closed to traffic with officers from Blackpool and Blackburn called in to guard the scene.