A house where a man was found dead has been set on fire just hours before his funeral. Joseph Holland was reportedly stabbed to death last month on June 8 in Liverpool.
The 25-year-old was found dead by police at the scene at Huyton House Road after they were called to reports for a concern for safety.
Police have told the Liverpool Echo that two adults and two children were in the house at the time it was set on fire, in the early hours of the morning.
The targeted home where the alleged stabbing took place still has floral tributes to the 25-year-old on a patch of grass just outside a police cordon.
It is believed two men approached the ground floor window of the house and used a brick to smash it before pouring accelerant inside and setting it alight.
One man was taken to hospital with smoke inhalation. The suspects are believed to have left on bikes in the direction of Liverpool Road.
James Preston, 21, has been charged with the murder of Mr Holland. Three men from Huyton, aged 28, 25 and 36, who were arrested on suspicion of murder have since been released on police bail pending further inquiries.
James' family previously pad tribute, saying: "No words could ever describe the loss of our beautiful son, brother, uncle and friend to many. He was loved by everybody."
The funeral of the "much-loved" man. takes place on Wednesday. Details of Mr Holland's funeral have been shared on behalf of the family.
The listing, posted by Debbie Bennett Funeral Directors, reads: "A much-loved son of David and Brenda, a loving brother of Jenna, a dearly-loved uncle to Zachary and Jackson, a very special grandson, Joe will be sadly missed by all his family and many friends."
His funeral service will take place at GreenAcres in Rainford at 1.30pm on July 5, 2023. Mr Holland's funeral will be streamed live for those who cannot attend.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.