A MURDER investigation is now underway after a man died following an incident in Birkenhead in the early hours of today.

Shortly after 12.30am officers were called to Market Street following reports that a man had collapsed in the street.

On arrival they found a 27-year-old man with stab wounds to his upper body.

He was taken to Arrowe Park Hospital where he later was pronounced dead. A post-mortem is currently underway to establish how he died.

A 28-year-old local man was arrested in nearby Chester Street on suspicion of the murder shortly afterwards.

He is currently in police custody where he will be interviewed by detectives later today.

Market Street has been cordoned off between Argyle Street and Hamilton Street to allow forensic officers to examine the scene.

A house in Market Street where the incident is believed to have occured has also been sealed off.

The road remains closed. Motorists are advised to avoid trying to travel down Market Street and to use an alernative route.

The victim has not been formally identified and next of kin are still being traced.

House-to-house enquiries are being carried out and anyone with information should call Birkenhead CID on 0151 777 2263 or 2264, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.