A MAN who died after he was stabbed in Rock Ferry on Sunday night has been named as James Byrne.

Emergency services were called to Old Chester Road at its junction with Well Lane at around 11.20pm on Sunday to reports of a disturbance.

Mr Byrne, 38, was found on the pavement with multiple stab wounds.

He was taken to hospital in a critical condition and died on Monday afternoon.

Detectives have launched a murder investigation. Two men have been arrested in connection with the incident. One is aged 47, the other 45. Both are from the Birkenhead area.

They have been taken to police stations on Merseyside for questioning. No charges have yet been made.

An area around Old Chester Road remained cordoned off today while forensic inquiries were underway.

Officers are also examining CCTV from nearby shops and carrying out house-to-house inquiries.

High-visibility police patrols have been stepped-up in the district.

Detective Chief Inspector Tracy Hayes said: "We believe this assault followed an argument in the area and that the victim and the offender are known to each other.

"I'm sure local residents would agree that the person [or persons] responsible for this attack needs to be brought to justice and I would ask anyone who has any information to get in contact.

"Any information you may have, no matter how small, could assist our inquiry."

Anyone who can help the investigation should contact Birkenhead CID on 0151 777 2265 or Crimestoppers anonymously, 0800 555 111.