POLICE have launched a murder investigation after a man was stabbed to death in a vicious attack in Durham earlier today.

Detectives say the 41-year-old victim, described as semi-homeless, would be recognised by many people, as he frequented the Durham bus station area and used metal NHS crutches.

Officers were called at 8.30am following reports that a man had been found with stab wounds in Mitchell Street, near the bus station.

Read more: Police name man who was stabbed to death in Durham

Paramedics from the North East Ambulance Service and Great North Air Ambulance also attended, but the man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

Formal identification has yet to take place, but police know the identity of the deceased. A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

A police cordon remains in place around the scene and people are being urged to avoid the area while officers carry out their enquiries.

Durham bus station has also been closed and buses are being diverted.

Police cordon off an area around the scene of the incident in Durham. Picture: Tom Banks

Detective Chief Superintendent Adrian Green, who is leading the investigation, said: "Today we've launched a murder investigation following the finding of a man in Durham city who has been stabbed multiple times.

"Unfortunately he has died as a result of his injuries. He is believed to be a 41-year-old local man who I cannot name the moment, until the next of kin have been informed."

"At the time of his death he was wearing a dark padded jacket, dark trousers, black Nike trainers and a very distinctive black with turquoise blue baseball cap, with a white Hollister emblem on the top.

"He is a local man known to frequent Durham city, especially the bus station area.

"Many people will recognise him. He does have metal NHS crutches and I am appealing to anyone who has seen him on Thursday morning between 7am and 8.25am in the bus station area around North road to come forward, as well as anyone else who may have information that could help us investigation."

Anyone who has any information is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident number 56 of March 19.

Alternatively, information can be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.