A MURDER inquiry has been launched after a man was fatally stabbed during a party at his house.

And police said that they were still looking for the knife that was used to kill 29-year-old Steven Taylor early on Saturday.

Mr Taylor was at a party at his home in Primrose Terrace, Darwen, when he was stabbed at around 4am.

Police have arrested a local man and he was questioned yesterday on suspicion of murder.

Det Supt Steve Brunskill, of Lancashire Police Major Investigation Team, said that Mr Taylor was with friends when police believe an argument broke out.

He said police and paramedics were called to the address, near Redearth Road, after reports of a disturbance and found Mr Taylor suffering stab wounds.

Mr Taylor, who was unemployed, was taken by ambulance to the Royal Blackburn Hospital, but died at shortly before 11.30am, despite medical staff efforts to save him.

Mr Brunskill said it is believed that a large knife was used to inflict the fatal wound, although the weapon has not yet been found.

He said: "Mr Taylor was having a party at the time with a number of friends before he was viscously attacked.

"I believe that this was a localised incident and I would like to reassure people who live in the area that they are not in any danger."

Police said that Mr Taylor lived at the address with his brother and sister.

Forensic examinations took place at the house throughout the weekend and members of Mr Taylor's family were not allowed back into the property.

Nearby residents said they were shocked that a man had been killed.

One neighbour said: "We've all heard what happened and it's terrible. I can't believe that something like that would happen."

Another local resident disagreed. She said: "It's horrible news but no surprise that it has happened.

"The way that the area is going at the moment nothing surprises me. I just feel sorry for this man's family Police are appealing for information about the weapon.

Anyone with any information, or anyone who has found a large knife in the Darwen area is asked to call police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.