Scores of tributes for two men who died in Halifax stabbing

West Yorkshire Police has launched a murder investigation following the incident, where three men were taken to hospital with stab wounds.

Three males, two aged 18 and one aged 19, have been arrested and all remain in police custody at this time.

Police cordons are still in place around the town centre this afternoon (Image: Newsquest)Officers attended Commercial Street in Halifax in the early hours of Sunday morning.

One of the injured men, aged 21, died at hospital a short time later, and another, aged 19, was in described as being in a critical condition before passing away later in the day.

The third man, aged 18, received treatment for a non-life-threatening injury.

The two men who lost their lives have been named locally as Joshua Clark and Haider Shah.

One message read: "Rest in Peace my beautiful brothers Josh Clark and Haider Shah.

"Two of the best lads I knew. Love you both from James."

One of the floral tributes (Image: Newsquest)Another from 'Dan' said: "I love you Haider and Josh and I will never forget you.

"Haider you did everything for me and I will always remember you.

"I love you so much words can't describe the amount of pain I am in."

Parts of Prescott Street and Union Street were still cordoned off by police.

Forensic officers could also be seen searching through nearby bushes and drains.

Forensic officers are still searching through nearby bushes and drains (Image: Newsquest)

One nightclub-goer spoke to the Telegraph & Argus about what she saw.

The woman, from Bradford who wishes to remain anonymous, was in nightclub Maggie's at the time of the incident.

She said: "It all happened so quickly. It was so shocking.

"We were evacuated from the club and then the police told us to leave the scene.

"It is not what you expect to see when you go out with your friends."

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Holdsworth, said: “This is an extremely serious incident which has resulted in the death of two young men and a further man injured.

“We have specialist officers supporting both of their families and are determined to get answers for them and ensure that the person or people responsible are made to face justice for their actions.     

“What I would ask for now is the support of the wider public in providing any information about what has taken place or the events leading up to it.

"I understand that people were present in the area at the time of the incident, and I would urge anyone with information, dash cam or phone footage which could be relevant to our investigation to please make contact.     

“I understand people locally will be rightly concerned and I want to reassure people that we are doing everything we can to investigate all possible lines of enquiry to understand the full circumstances of what took place.      

“There is still a significant scene in place this morning, with a smaller scene remaining while we conduct forensic enquiries. I would like to thank residents and businesses for their understanding during this time.”

A full West Yorkshire Police statement read: "Detectives have launched a murder investigation following the death of two men in Halifax.  
  
"Officers were called at 3.48am yesterday morning (Sunday, 1 October) to Commercial Street, Halifax to reports that three men had been assaulted.

"All three were taken to hospital with stab wounds.  
  
"One of the injured men, aged 21, passed away at hospital a short time later and detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team launched a murder investigation.  
  
"Another of the men, aged 19, remained in hospital in a critical condition yesterday and passed away in the late evening.  
  
"The third man, aged 18, has received treatment for a non-life-threatening injury.   
  
"Three males, two aged 18 and one aged 19 have been arrested in connection with the incident and all remain in police custody at this time."

Anyone with information that may assist our investigation is asked to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team via 101 quoting Operation Pochard, reference number 215 of 1st October or online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat.  Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.