POLICE today renewed their hunt for the killer of a Nelson man after releasing a woman without charge.

Keith Laycock, 63, of Hammond Street, died on Friday, after being found in the street with stab wounds.

A 40-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of murder shortly after the grisly discovery has now been released without charge.

Today, officers released this picture of Mr Laycock, described as a 'gentle giant' by neighbours, in the hope it will job people's memories.

Senior investigating officer Det Chief Insp Andy Johnson said: "The Home Office post-mortem examination was carried out on Friday, March 25 and the cause of death has been established as a single stab wound.

"The woman arrested on suspicion of murder has been questioned and released with no charge at this stage. Further inquiries are continuing and anyone with information should contact police at Burnley."

Mr Laycock, known by neighbours as 'Big Keith', was found by an ambulance crew in Wickworth Street on Thursday at 6.45am. He had collapsed just yards from his home and was bleeding from a stab wound. He died from his injuries at Burnley General Hospital on Friday morning.

Police are still trying to establish Mr Laycock's movements before he was found. Several houses in Wickworth Street were cordoned off on Thursday morning while officers carried out a thorough search of the area. Many residents were not allowed to leave their homes for work.

Mr Laycock's family have been informed and neighbours paid tribute to him as a 'friendly and kind' man.

Police are appealing for witnesses and would like to hear from anyone who saw Mr Laycock, who may have been in a distressed state earlier on Thursday morning or Wednesday night. Anyone with information should contact Burnley police on 01282 425001.