A MAN has been charged with the murder of Haslingden tattoo artist Michael Dale.

Shahid Hussain, 37, of no fixed address, will appear at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning.

Police were called by paramedics at around 1.15am on May 2 after Mr Dale was found with stab wounds to his chest inside a property in Charles Lane.

Mr Dale, 46, of Haslingden, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Five people were initially arrested by police on suspicion of murder.

Two men aged 30 and a 35-year-old man, all from Haslingden, have been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

A 38-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman, also from Haslingden, have been released no further action.

A Home Office post mortem examination gave the cause of death as stab wounds.

Det Ch Insp Gareth Willis from the force's major investigation team said: “My thoughts remain with Mr Dale and his family at this sad and very difficult time. They are being supported by specially trained officers.

“We continue to appeal for information about Mr Dale’s murder and I would urge anyone who can assist our investigation to come forward.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting log 0062 of May 2nd. Alternatively, you can reach Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.