Man fatally stabbed in ‘quiet’ Barnsley street

Police said Phil Smith was found injured after an incident in Church Street, Thurnscoe, near Barnsley, at 4.30pm on Saturday.

The victim, of Stotfold Drive in the village, was taken to Barnsley hospital where he later died.

Last night police said one man was being held in custody on suspicion of murder. Three other men arrested on suspicion of violent disorder had been released on bail pending further enquiries.

A post-mortem examination revealed Mr Smith died from multiple stab wounds.

Flowers were laid yesterday at the scene near the junction with Houghton Road marked “In memory of Phil”.

The death shocked Barnsley councillor Sharron Brook, 65, who represents the Dearne Valley and has lived in the area all her life.

She said: “What are we coming to? It makes you not want to let your children out – it wasn’t even evening when this happened.

“And it’s occurred on Church Street, which I would say is a quieter part of Thurnscoe.”

Her colleague, Coun May Noble, added: “It’s a sad loss of such a young life for whatever reason. It really is a tragedy.”

Coun Ralph Sixsmith said: “Tensions are running quite high. I understand a gang of youths came down to sort this man out and he has been stabbed near to his home and not far from what used to be known as Ivor’s Fish and Chip Shop.”

Last night Detective Superintendent Andy Thompson, who is heading the investigation, said: “Extensive house-to-house and forensic enquiries have been taking place to establish the facts in this case. I still wish to hear from anyone who has any information or who witnessed the disturbance.”

Anyone with information can contact the incident room in confidence on 01709 443507 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.