UPDATE: Police probing murder of Sunderland man Lee Dawson confirm bail granted for five men arrested on suspicion of murder

The family of Lee Dawson paid tribute to a “big friendly giant” on Friday, following the news he had died.

According to Lancashire Constabulary, officers were alerted at about 3pm on Friday (June 17) afternoon, after paramedics from the North West Ambulance Service found the 42-year-old, originally from Preston but living in Sunderland, with stab wounds in Jutland Street, in Preston, Lancashire.

Mr Dawson was taken to Royal Preston Hospital for treatment, but later died and a murder probe was launched.

Detectives are continuing to hold two men, aged 20 and 29, in custody for questioning, after they were arrested on suspicion of murder, following Mr Dawson’s death.

Five other men, aged between 18 and 31, also arrested on suspicion of murder, have been released on bail, pending further enquiries.

Officers have confirmed a Home Office post-mortem examination found Mr Dawson died as a result of stab wounds.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Haworth-Oates, of Lancashire Constabulary’s Force Major Investigation Team, said: “My thoughts remain with Mr Dawson’s loved ones at this time and they continue to be supported by specially trained officers.

“While we have made a number of arrests, our enquiries into Mr Dawson’s tragic death are very much ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area around the time of the incident, or who has any information which could assist our investigation, to come forward and speak to us.”

Following Mr Dawson’s death, tributes were also paid by his family.

A statement released by Lancashire Constabulary 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.

"He lived life to the full and will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.”

Anyone with information which could aid the investigation is urged to contact police on 101, quoting log 0149, of Friday, June 17.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Information can also be submitted here, through the force’s website.