POLICE cordons remained in place this afternoon around two houses on a street which is at the centre of a murder investigation.

As the Star revealed earlier today, a 46-year-old man was found unresponsive at a house on Barnett Avenue, in Earlestown shortly after 2pm on Sunday, February 4. 

His death was confirmed later in the afternoon.

Two women, aged 52 and 27 and both from the area, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Meanwhile, a post-mortem is taking place to establish the cause of death.

A police van remained stationed on the avenue this afternoon while police tape was in place in front of two adjoining semi-detached properties. 

Forensic examinations are ongoing, say police.

Shocked neighbours, who had witnessed emergency services descend on the area, knew little details of the investigation. They had seen a man being taken away on a stretcher after officers arrived.

Police say anyone with information about what happened on the street - or footage showing Barnett Avenue from around 2pm on Sunday, February 4 is asked to contact police.

In a statement police said they are trying to piece together what has happened.

St Helens Star:

Detective Inspector Jimmy Rotheram said: “Our thoughts first and foremost are with the man’s family following this unexpected tragic incident.

“An investigation remains underway in the area and our officers are in the early stages of establishing exactly what happened.

 “While we have already made two arrests, our specialist officers remain at the scene as we carry out forensic examinations and review any CCTV footage in the area.

“If you live on Barnett Avenue and have any doorbell or CCTV footage from around 2pm on Sunday 4 February that may have captured what happened or heard anything suspicious, then please get in touch with us so we can continue our enquiries.”

Anyone who has any information on this incident is asked to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook or call 101  with the reference 24000145442. You can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111, or their online form at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.