By ALEXANDER LAWRIE and OLIVER FARRIMOND
A HEROIC dad of two has been brutally stabbed to death – after going to the aid of a friend who was suffering a beating.
Sean Stark, 25, from Lochgelly, Fife, was found dying in the street outside his home around 2am on Sunday morning.
Locals have described Mr Stark as a “loving father” and a “devoted partner”.
Mr Stark is believed to have two young daughters, aged three and one-years-old, and it is thought that he and his partner Melanie Gray were trying for a third.
The staunch Celtic supporter – well known in the area for flying a Hoops flag from his balcony – was discovered dying in the Fife town’s Main Street, opposite the West End Bar, following a violent fracas.
Street cordoned off
He was taken from the scene by ambulance but succumbed a few hours later in the casualty department of Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline.
The street has been cordoned off while officers gather evidence from the scene.
One local, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I just can’t believe this has happened to Sean, he wasn’t a trouble maker and he never bothered anybody.
“He was a great family man who doted on his kids – he was a loving father and was really devoted to his partner Mel.
“I heard the two of them were trying for another baby – it’s such a tragedy.
“I heard that Sean’s neighbour was getting a kicking outside his flat and that he went out to calm it down.
“That’s just the kind of guy he was.”
Police appeal
Detective Chief Inspector Dougie Milton, the investigating officer leading this case, said: “Our investigation is clearly still at an early stage.
“This incident has happened in a public street and we believe that a number of persons were in the vicinity who may well have witnessed this vicious assault.
“I would encourage any person who has any knowledge of this Fife police are appealing for witnesses.”
Anyone with information contact Fife Police on 01592 251111, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
