A teenage boy stabbed inside a house in Preston - and three teens have been charged with his murder.

Officers were called to an address in Chatham Place just before 5.45pm on Wednesday (December 23) where the victim - Sarmad Al-Saidi, 16, from Preston - was found with stab injuries to his chest and legs.

He was initially treated at the scene but was later transferred to hospital.

Jamie Dixon, 18, from Leyland appeared before Preston Magistrates' Court and has been charged with murder.

A 16-year-old from Preston and a 17-year-old arrested on December 24 also appeared before court and are being charged with murder.

They were all remanded into custody and are due to appear at Preston Crown Court on Wednesday (December 30).

A 20-year-old man, a 28-year-old woman, both from Preston, and a 36-year-old woman from Leyland all previously arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have since been released under investigation.

DCI Lee Wilson said: “This incident has resulted in a young man losing his life and my thoughts are very much with Sarmad’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

"Sarmad’s family have been supported by specially-trained officers throughout this investigation and that will continue.

"While we have now charged a man and two teenagers with Sarmad’s murder, our investigation is very much ongoing and I would ask anybody with information that could assist us to come forward.

"I know this incident has had a major impact on the community and I would like to thank the public for their extremely valuable support with this murder inquiry. "

The Preston Muslim Burial Society which organises and arranges funerals in the city confirmed the death.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting log 0575 of December 24, 2020, or report it here.

Alternatively call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.