A murder probe has been launched after a man was stabbed to death in a residential street with police swarming the area to track the attacker.

Armed officers initially swamped Parliament Street in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, this afternoon amid reports a man had been injured in a stabbing. 

But Cleveland Police have now announced that they are launching a ‘homicide investigation’.

Multiple police vehicles and ambulances were parked on Parliament Street which was sealed off behind a cordon

In a statement on social media the authority said: ‘Detectives have begun a homicide investigation after a man was found deceased today in Parliament Street, Stockton. 

‘Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 #Stockton.’

Multiple police vehicles and ambulances had been spotted on the residential street, which was sealed off behind a cordon, earlier today.     

A blue forensic tent had also been erected as dozens of officers inspected the area for evidence. 

A blue forensic tent had also been erected as dozens of officers inspected the area for evidence

A police spokesman had previously confirmed to Teeside Live that they were called to the road at 1.24pm but did not give any more information. 

Several officers were seen inspecting a white van with its windows smashed. 

The North East Ambulance Service said: ‘We were called at 1.19pm to an injured male on Parliament Street in Stockton.

‘We dispatched two double-crewed ambulances, a clinical care manager and requested support from the Great North Air Ambulance.’ 

A police spokesman previously said they were called to the road at 1.24pm, but did not give any more information

The North East Ambulance Service said: ‘We were called at 1.19pm to an injured male on Parliament Street in Stockton’