DETECTIVES investigating the discovery of a man’s body at an address in Clayton-le-Moors have formally identified him.

The man has been named as James Christopher Todd, 27, from Clayton-le-Moors.

A post mortem examination has revealed the cause of death to be a single stab wound to the heart.

A murder investigation is now underway and a dedicated team of police officers and staff are working to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Around 12.15pm on Monday, September 27, police were called to Rutland Close where they discovered Mr Todd's badly decomposed body, which is believed to have been there for some time.

Detective Superintendent Neil Hunter, from the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “I would appeal to anyone with any information that could assist us with this investigation to contact us as a matter of urgency.

“I would also appeal to anyone that knew James, friends or associates that saw him recently to get in touch as it is vital that we build up a picture of his movements in the last few days of his life.

“James’s family are naturally devastated by their loss and we have dedicated family liaison officers supporting them at this difficult time. “ A 25-year-old man, from Blackburn, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and a 30-year-old man, also from Blackburn, has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. Both men remain in police custody and continue to be questioned by detectives.

Contact police on 0845 1 253545 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.