THE family of a man, 42, stabbed to death in a 3am attack have paid tribute to him as a “big, friendly giant” as cops launched an urgent murder probe.
Lee Dawson was found today suffering from serious chest wounds in the early hours of the morning in Preston.
Paramedics were called to the scene before Lee was rushed to the city’s Royal Hospital where he tragically died.
His family said Lee, originally from Sunderland, was a “big, friendly giant” with a “strong heart and stronger head”.
They said: “Lee loved his children deeply and would do anything for them. He had a strong heart and stronger head.
“He was a big, friendly giant. Once you had Lee as a friend you had a friend for life.
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“He lived life to the full and will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.”
There was a large police presence at the scene today with a cordon in place as people were advised to avoid the area.
Lancashire Police have launched a murder investigation but said the probe was in its “early stages”.
Officers are still looking to identify the 42-year-old’s killers.
Det Ch Insp Mark Haworth-Oates, of the Lancashire Police Force Major Investigation Team, said: “These are very sad and tragic circumstances and our thoughts are with the Lee’s loved ones at this difficult time.
“They are being provided with our full support and have our deepest sympathies.
“Our investigation is at its very early stages and we have a team of detectives working to identify and arrest those responsible.
“I would appeal to anyone with information about what happened to come forward.
“Did you see anyone acting suspiciously in and around the Jutland Street area around the time of the incident? If so, please come forward.
“Furthermore if you have any CCTV or doorbell footage which could assist us, please get in touch.
“We would like to reassure the public patrols have been increased in the area.”
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Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log 0149 of June 17.
Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and upload footage at on the Lancashire Police community portal.
