THE family of a 20-year-old man who was stabbed to death in Ramsbottom have paid tribute to him. Father-of-one Richard Meakin was found lying in the back garden of a house in Rostron Road on Friday night.

He had suffered stab wounds and was taken to Fairfield Hospital, Bury, where he later died.

His mother, Sheila, and step-father Brian said: "We loved Richard. His death has destroyed our family, ripped our hearts apart and we can't see any hope for the future.

"He was not an angel, but as an individual he was a loving son, brother, father and boyfriend to Holly.

"He had a wicked sense of humour and all people who took time to know him, loved him. His daughter Codie, who is one year old, will grow up without her father. His sisters Charlotte, Gabrielle and Sophia, and brother Michael are devastated, and his girlfriend inconsolable. As for us, his mum and dad, we feel the most intense pain."

Four men have appeared in court, charged with Mr Meakin's murder.