Floral tributes have been left at the scene of an alleged stabbing as police hold five suspects on suspicion of murder.

The 26-year-old who died following the incident on Hills Drive, Norton, on Thursday (September 19) has been named locally as Lewis Bell, though police have yet to officially identify him.

Today, yellow and orange bouquets labelled for "Lewis" have been placed where a forensic tent had been erected yesterday as police launched a murder investigation.(Image: Terry Blackburn)

It comes as the family launched a crowdfunding appeal which has already realised more than £1,000 to help with funeral costs. 

His grieving sister Amy Broderick wrote: "We are all heartbroken as a family and we don't deserve this. . . Rest in peace Lewis we love you loads. We will get justice." 

Cleveland Police were alerted to the incident shortly after midnight.(Image: Terry Blackburn)

They issued an initial statement saying: "A murder investigation has been launched in Stockton. The incident happened outside a property in Hills Drive, when a 26-year-old man was stabbed and sadly died at the scene."

Police later confirmed five people had been arrested on suspicion of murder.

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(Image: Terry Blackburn) (Image: Terry Blackburn)

A spokesperson said: "“Detectives are continuing to appeal for witnesses and footage as a murder investigation continues in Stockton.

"The man’s family are being supported by specially trained officers and our thoughts remain with them at this extremely difficult time, although formal identification is yet to take place.