A HEARTBROKEN family has issued an emotional appeal following the fatal stabbing of a man in his own Accrington home yesterday.

Detectives named the murder victim as 33-year-old Mark Fisher and have moved to dismiss rumours that he was a registered sex offender.

Two people have now been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody. They are a 37-year old man and a 35-year-old woman, both from Accrington.

That follows officers being called to a house in Edleston Street, Accrington, at 1pm on Sunday to a report that Mr Fisher had been stabbed. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a tribute Mr Fisher’s family, who are being supported by specially trained officers, said: "As a family we are heartbroken. Mark was much loved by all of his family and we miss him so much. We desperately need to know what happened to Mark and would appeal to anybody that knows anything to contact the police.”

Police confirmed that Mr Fisher suffered a number of stab wounds and a post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course to try to establish the cause of death.

Detectives are continuing to probe the circumstances of his death and are carrying out CCTV enquiries, house to house enquiries and other lines of investigation.

They are appealing for any witnesses or anyone who may have information to get in touch.

Detective Chief Inspector Jill Johnston, of the Force Major Investigation Team, who is leading the inquiry, said: “The incident on Sunday has resulted in a man losing his life and my thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

“I have a team of detectives and staff working on this investigation and we are following a number of lines of inquiry to piece together what has happened.

“While we have made two arrests our inquiries are still very much ongoing and I would appeal for anyone who has any information which could assist us to come forward. Even if you think the information you have is insignificant please let us be the judge.”

READ > Murder inquiry launched as man is fatally stabbed at incident in Edleston Street, Accrington

A police spokesman said the force was aware of a number of comments on social media suggesting that Mr Fisher was a registered sex offender which has caused understandable upset to his family. They said these rumours are untrue and asked people not to repeat them or to speculate.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log number 0684 of Sunday, January 19, or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.