Murder charge after fatal Crewe stabbing

A 26-YEAR-OLD will appear in court today charged with murder after a man was stabbed in a vicious street attack.

Eric Tomkinson, also aged 26, died in hospital on Saturday afternoon following the stabbing the previous evening on Wistaston Road, Crewe.

Police later arrested two local men, aged 26 and 27, and last night Cheshire Police revealed that one of the suspects, Paul Ward, of nearby Alton Street, has been charged with murder.

The other man, a 27-year-old, also from Crewe, was released without charge late on Saturday evening.

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Floral tributes could be seen at the junction of Wistaston Road and Stewart Street today in tribute to Eric, who lived in the town.

Friends and relatives were also leaving poignant messages for Eric on social networks Facebook and Twitter.

Families living close to the scene have spoken of their shock at a stabbing being carried out on their doorsteps.

One resident said: "We don't have any trouble down here at all. I saw the forensics at the scene and that is when I realised it was something serious.

"This is a real close community along here and the neighbours always look out for each other."

Another resident said: "I have been told by my insurance company that we have lower rates due to this being such a low crime area."

A fellow Wistaston Road resident added: "You can only have sympathy for the young man's family about what has happened."

Among the flowers left at the scene are a number from Eric's family including his grandparents and parents.

A note signed 'Nana and Grandad' read: "In memory of our dear grandson. No one will ever hurt you again. R.I.P Eric. Love you lots".

Another, penned by 'Kaye and Nicky' stated: "Taken away too soon – you'll never be forgotten", while 'Farry and Stacey' wrote: "Gonna miss ya bro. You always had a smile on your face and lived life to the full."

Mourners also took to the internet. Writing on the Facebook social networking site, Stephy Jackson said: "Gone but never forgotten and always in my thoughts."

On his own page, Eric, who is understood to have previously attended St. Thomas More Catholic High School in Crewe, had written about having enjoyed a 'mad' Christmas.

Cheshire Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses. Anyone with information can contact Runcorn Police on 101, and quoting incident number 773 of January 4.

Paul Ward will appear at South Cheshire Magistrates Court this morning.