A SECOND man is being hunted by police in connection with the alleged murder of a party goer who was stabbed in his own home.

Police have issued an appeal for information about the whereabouts of Darwen man Craig Anthony Cosgrove as a man appeared in court charged with murdering Steven Taylor.

The unemployed 29-year-old was found with stab wounds at 4am on Saturday following a disturbance at a house party at his home in Primrose Terrace, Darwen. He died at Royal Blackburn Hospital later the same morning.

Officers are circulating a description of 33-year-old Cosgrove, of Newton Street, Darwen, so that they can locate and question him about the incident.

Cosgrove is described as being 6ft, of heavy build, with dark brown hair and has numerous tattooes on both arms. He speaks with a Scottish accent.

Det Supt Mick Gradwell, leading the investigation, said: "We wish to speak to Mr Cosgrove in connection with the death of Steven Taylor. We believe he could be in Blackpool, Manchester, Cumbria or Scotland as he has friends and family there.

"We would ask the public not to approach him but to call the police straight away with any information they may have."

Another man, 27-year-old Rodney Elliott Kay, of Rose Street, Darwen, was arrested following Mr Taylor's death. He appeared at Blackburn Magistrates Court yesterday charged with his murder.

Paul Schofield, defending, said that a detailed bail application would be put in at a later date.

The case was moved to Preston Crown Court. Kay was remanded in custody until his next appearance on November 28.

Police are still searching for the weapon used in the incident, believed to be a large knife. Anyone with information about the incident, or the whereabouts of Cosgrove, is asked to contact police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.