A MAN stabbed to death during an incident at his home was today named as 46-year-old Keith Redpath.

Police were called by the ambulance service after they were summoned to treat Mr Redpath, who was found with a wound to his chest on a pavement near to his home in Tower Street West, Hendon, Sunderland, at 2.35am yesterday.

He was taken by ambulance to Sunderland Royal Hospital where he died at 4am.

A post-mortem examination later confirmed he died from a single stab wound to the chest.

Mr Redpath's family have today described him as a lovely man and his son has described him as a great dad.

Mr Redpath's son Callum (20) of Ryhope, said: "My dad was a much loved, lovely man, and we all cared deeply about him. He was a great dad. He was a decent, hard working family man and a loving father."

Police, who are conducting a murder inquiry, urged people to come forward if they saw or heard anything suspicious in the vicinity of Tower Street West early yesterday morning.

Detective Chief Inspector Peter Bent, who is leading the investigation, said a number of people forced entry into 61 Tower Street West, damaging the front door of the terraced bungalow, shortly after 2am yesterday.

He said: "I would like local residents to think back, did they hear the door going in and if so did they see anything suspicious?

"After gaining entry to the house, the offenders then attacked the victim, who subsequently left the property, a bungalow in a terraced street, through the back door, only to collapse in the street where he was found by a passer-by.

"The offenders then took his large black flat screen television and carried it down Tower Street West, crossed Suffolk Street and continued down Tower Street.

"I'm urging anyone who saw a television being carried along the street, either as a passer-by, neighbour or motorists, to contact a member of the team investigating this murder."

A television matching the description of the one stolen was later recovered from a property on Tower Street.

Det Chief Insp Bent added: "This was an unusual attack, and one which is all the more shocking because of that, we are determined to bring the offenders to justice."

Men aged 18, 21, 33, and 34 have been arrested and are in custody being questioned about incidents surrounding Mr Redpath's death.

Northumbria Police were keen to play down fears in the area stemming from the incident.

Area commander for Sunderland, Chief Superintendent Dave Pryer, said: "We are very aware of the impact this type of offence can have upon the community.

"A number of actions have been taken to provide reassurance.

"Local officers within the Sunderland East Neighbourhood Team have been providing high visibility patrols, ensuring they are both visible and accessible to the public.

"This will continue," he added.

Anyone with information about the murder is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 03456-043043, extension 69191, and ask to be put through to the major incident room, at Sunderland's Southwick Police Station, or, alternatively, ring the Crimestoppers freephone line, anonymously, on 0800-555111.