House stab victim dies on path

Police launched a murder investigation after father-of-two Andy Campbell, 40, died almost instantly from a stab wound to the chest.

It is believed he was injured in an incident which may have followed an argument over children.

Neighbours in Primrose Grove, Selby, desperately tried to resuscitate Mr Campbell but he was already dead by the time they arrived on the scene.

The incident happened at about 9.30 last night when neighbours reported hearing a lot of shouting and banging.

Linda Fletcher, 53, who was visiting her son's house just across the road, said Mr Campbell was lying outside the front door of a house in Primrose Grove, with his feet on the path.

She said international rescue worker Ray Gray and his wife, Veronica, a nurse, tried to resuscitate him, but there were no signs of life and no pulse.

Mrs Fletcher said: "Ray was giving him heart massage, his wife was giving him mouth-to-mouth and I was trying to staunch blood.

"It was terrible - I can't believe it has happened."

Police cordoned off the street for several hours. A spokesman confirmed today they were treating their investigations into Mr Campbell's death as a murder inquiry.

One neighbour said: "We can't believe Andy is dead. He was a smashing bloke who lived for his family and would help anyone in trouble."

Neighbours said Mr Campbell had gone to a nearby house following an altercation over children playing outside.

Mr Campbell, of Hempbridge Road, Selby, who worked as a mechanic, had been a retained firefighters for five years.

Two years ago he was hailed a hero after rescuing two children after a Sunday roast caught fire in a cooker in a house in Hempbridge Road, which is nearby Primrose Grove.

His wife, Deborah, works in Somerfields Supermarket in Selby.

Police said a 43-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the death.

The coroner has been informed and a post-mortem examination was being held today.

Updated: 13:16 Monday, August 06, 2001