Care worker dies in stab attack

Care worker Philip Ellison was married with three sons

A social care worker and father-of-three has been stabbed to death while visiting a house.

Philip Ellison, 47, who worked for Lancashire County Council, died from multiple stab wounds in the attack in the Fulwood area of Preston.

A 51-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and is being questioned by officers in Preston.

Union Unison said the death was "a tragedy" and "illustrates the dangers of this type of job".

Mr Ellison, of Penwortham, was married with three sons and worked as part of the adult and community services department.

County councillor Chris Cheetham, cabinet member for adult and community services, said: "It is with sadness we can confirm that one of our social care workers has died.

"We are assisting the police in their investigation. We will also be carrying out our own thorough internal investigation alongside our health partners, the Lancashire Care NHS Trust.

"This is a tragic incident. My first thoughts are for his family and friends.

The social care worker was stabbed several times

"On behalf of the authority I would like to offer our sincere condolences. It is a dreadful loss."

Police were called to Glebe Close at about 1130 BST, after reports that a man was attacking someone, a spokesman said.

They found the victim with several stab wounds and a man in an "agitated state".

Det Supt Steve Brunskill, leading the inquiry, said a post-mortem examination would be carried out on Tuesday.

"This was a tragic incident and my condolences go to the family," said Mr Brunskill.

"We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident, which was confined to the address at Glebe Close."