A murder hunt has started after a neighbour was stabbed to death outside a house party in Cleckheaton early today.

The 50-year-old man had been called to help deal with trouble at the party in Brooklyn Street shortly before 1am. He was then set upon by group of five men and women and stabbed several times in the back.

The victim, who has not yet been named by police, was taken to Dewsbury District Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Bottomley, of West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: "This was a vicious attack which resulted in a man losing his life.

"At this stage of the investigation we believe that following some disorder at a house party, the victim had been on his way to help. As a result, he was set upon by what we believe to be a group of five men and women and subsequently received stab wounds to his back.

"There were a lot of people in the street at the time of this attack and I urge them or anyone else who can assist us with this inquiry to contact police."

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information on those responsible should contact HMET on 0845 60 60 606 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

* A 19-year-old woman was today arrested for questioning about the man's death.