A MURDER investigation has been launched after a man was stabbed in Bolton town centre - and died an hour later.

Rabid Amin, aged 25, was fatally wounded during a fight between a gang of 15 men in Bradshawgate at 4.30am yesterday.

He was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital where he died from his injuries.

A second man, aged 23, was taken to hospital with stab wounds, but has since discharged himself.

A knife, believed to be the murder weapon, has been recovered from the scene and sent for forensic examination.

Superintendent Andy Durkin, of Bolton Police, said: "I am appealing for peace on the streets of Bolton.

"There has already been one fatality, we don't want to lose the lives of any more young men.

"There could be tit-for-tat attacks - people seeking revenge for the loss of a young life. That will not be tolerated and there will be an increased police presence as a result.

"Early indications are that this was not a random attack."

The family of Mr Amin, who lived with his wife in Luton Street, near the town centre, were informed of his death by police yesterday.

The fight was said to involve 15 Asian men.

Large areas of the town centre were sealed off yesterday as forensic officers searched for clues. They placed plastic markers at points where potential evidence lay and followed what is believed to have been a trail of blood.

Motorists and pedestrians were diverted from the areas surrounding Bradshawgate and Great Moor Street, and had to take other routes in and out of the town centre.

Last night, the road closures had been lifted and Bradshawgate was filled with town centre visitors.

There was an increased police presence, but signs of the incident had otherwise been cleared away.

A post-mortem examination on Mr Amin was carried out yesterday.

He died of multiple stab wounds.

The death has sent shockwaves through the Asian community in Bolton.

Cllr Mohammed Ayub, who represents the Great Lever ward where Mr Amin lived, said: "The whole community is very close and is shocked by the incident.

"People have been gathering in our mosque all day and grieving."

Tariq Mahmood, police community liaison officer, said: "The family appreciate the support and sympathies given by friends and relatives but have requested that their privacy be respected and that they be left to deal with their loss."

l Seven local men, three aged 19, one aged 20, one aged 22, one aged 23 and one aged 34, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are helping police with their inquiries.

  • Anybody with information about the attack or the hours leading up to the incident can contact The Bolton News on 01204 537270 or police on 0161 856 50 50.