THE devastated family of a man who died after an alleged stabbing attack have paid tribute to their "beloved son, brother and uncle."

Jimmy and Marion Embley, of Charter Street, Accrington, said their son Ken, 34, also of Charter Street, was a "people person."

The family thanked the neighbours in Royds Street, where Ken was stabbed on Monday, who gave him first aid.

They also thanked the paramedics who battled to save his life in the ambulance while a police officer drove them to Blackburn Infirmary.

His dad, 54, said: "He didn't like being on his own at any time, he always wanted someone there.

"But he didn't just want the company, he wanted to know about people."

Ken's brother Sean, 32, said: "He touched so many people's lives.

"There was a lady that lived down the street who was blind and had a guide dog and you would see him chatting to her, then the next minute you would see him talking to a group of young lads on the street corner - he could talk to anyone, young or old.

"He will be sorely missed by so many people, from so many walks of life.

"He had the ability to put a smile on everybody's face."

Ken was born in Whalley and attended St James' Primary School and then Everton High School, later merged with Shadsworth High School to become Queen's Park High School, both in Blackburn.

He was a keen pool player and captained a team from the Oak Tree Inn, Blackburn Road, Accrington, taking them to second place in their league in their first season in 2002.

Ken was also a passionate Manchester United supporter.

Sean said that with only a year each between Ken, his sister Sharon Blakelidge, 33, and him they were all very close.

He said: "We weren't like some brothers and sisters who only see each other once a year at Christmas, we got together regularly."

Marion, 54, said: "When they were young, people used to think they were triplets."

The family has not been able to organise Ken's funeral because his body is yet to be released following a post mortem examination.

But Marion, who had to identify her son's body, said: "Anyone that knew Ken is welcome to come along once it has been arranged.

"He was a people person who had lots of friends and he would want those people there."

Ken also leaves his nephews, Michael, Luke, and Curtis Embley, and his girlfriend Susan.

Wolstenholme Funeral Service, Willows Lane, Accrington, will have details of the funeral once it has been arranged and can be contacted on 232604.

A 16-year-old has appeared in court charged with murder following the stabbing incident.