A TEENAGE dad-to-be was stabbed to death after standing up to bullies to help a friend.

Chris Cave, 17, died in the early hours of yesterday morning after a knife attack on Redcar's Lakes estate.

He had been watching a film with a friend when a group of youths began taunting them from outside.

Neighbours said the gang had cracked a window of the flat at Burnmoor Close the previous night and were shouting abuse.

Police say the two young men went out to confront the youths, a scuffle took place and the group dispersed but one of them returned with knife.

Chris, who lives with his girlfriend in Redcar, and is expecting a child in the New Year, was found bleeding to death on the stairs that lead to his friend's flat.

His mother, who did not want to be identified, said: "My son was killed protecting his friend's flat from bullies because that is the sort lad he was.

"He was brilliant and he would always help people and do anything for anyone. He was the best. Ask anyone in the town about him and they will tell you what a good lad he was."

Police have cordoned off the scene while forensic scientists search for clues and the weapon.

Neighbours have laid flowers close the spot where Chris died.

Friend of the family Barbara Latimer, 37, of Burnmoor Close, was kept awake by the noise the youths were making and ran to fetch Chris's mother when she knew Chris had been injured.

"She ran over crying: 'My baby, my baby,' and saw him as he was being taken to hospital but she knew he was dead on the stairs. It was really awful. I saw it all from the outset and wanted them to shift for a long time because there was a lot of shouting and they were making a right racket."

An ambulance was called and despite efforts to save him Chris died from his injuries at Middlesbrough General Hospital.

A former Sacred Heart RC Comprehensive School pupil, Chris was popular with staff who yesterday attended a liturgy after school in his memory.

Headteacher Kevin Mitchell said: "Chris left us a year ago but he will be very fondly remembered by many people here. he had a kind nature."

A local man aged 20, has been arrested and was being interviewed by police. Anyone with information can call (01642) 302689.

Detective Superintendent Tom Stoddart, is leading the inquiry.