A man has died after being stabbed in an attack outside a Cheshire pub.

Police were called to reports of a serious assault near the Hammer and Pincers pub in Widnes at 3.20pm on Sunday. A 49-year-old man was found with serious stab wounds and died at the scene, police said.

A Cheshire police spokesman said a 35-year-old man and 39-year-old woman had been arrested in connection with the incident and remained in custody.

Chf Insp Simon Parsonage said: “Understandably the local community will be concerned about what has happened. I would like to reassure those living locally that we are doing everything we can to establish the circumstances of what has happened and extra officers will be patrolling the area overnight and into the morning to provide reassurance. If you have any concerns at all, please speak to an officer.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information which could assist the investigation is urged to call Cheshire police on 101 quoting IML 483194, or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.