POLICE today launched a murder inquiry after a father stabbed in a Southampton street fight died in hospital.

Father-of-three Anthony Gunn, 37, from the Shirley area, died last night in the intensive care unit at Southampton General Hospital.

Mr Gunn, who was living in the Shirley area, collapsed on the pavement after being stabbed in the stomach shortly before midnight on Sunday.

Police were called to the Mansion Road and Queenstown Road area of Freemantle following reports of a disturbance involving around 15 people.

Mr Gunn, a scaffolder, who was engaged to be married and leaves a son and two daughters, underwent emergency surgery at the hospital after the incident. He died at 5pm last night.

A post-mortem examination is expected to take place later today and will be conducted by Home Office pathologist Dr Huw White.

Mr Gunn, originally from Cleatormoor in Cumbria, had lived in Shirley for a number of years.

Four people were arrested following the attack and detectives have confirmed that a man in his 20s, from the Southampton area, is still in custody at a Hampshire police station.

Police have already launched a major inquiry into the incident, codenamed Operation Eastpark, and the investigation at the divisional headquarters in Hulse Road will now be stepped up.

A team of 15 detectives have begun house-to-house enquiries in Freemantle to find out more about the attack.

Det Sgt Steve Edbury confirmed the investigation was now a murder inquiry.

He added: "We are appealing for witnesses to this incident and if the public can help us in any way could they please get in touch with us.

"We are still doing house-to-house inquiries."

Anyone who saw the incident, or has information relating to the case is urged to call Operation Eastpark incident room at Hulse Road on 0845 045 4545 or the free, anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.