THE family of a man who was murdered outside his Sale home have spoken of their heartbreak and desolation at his death.

Thirty-four year-old Mr Grimshaw was fatally stabbed in the neck outside his Royton Avenue home in front of his fiancee, Michelle, after confronting youths who had been causing trouble on the street.

After the attack, the youths fled the scene at about 11.10pm on July 20.

Neighbours tried to resuscitate Mike while waiting for paramedics to arrive.

Mike had four step children and a daughter, Erin.

His mother, Janet Grimshaw, paid tribute to him: "My son, Mike, was the most caring, patient and gentle person. A rock not only to his family, but to his many friends. He adored his daughter Erin and cherished the time spent with her.

“I cannot put into words how much my heart is broken and the sorrow I feel for his daughter, sister, niece, nephew, partner and her family, my extended family and all who knew him. He will be greatly missed."

His sister, Emma Grimshaw, said: "Our hearts are heavy with the loss of my amazing brother and fantastic uncle to my heartbroken children.

“Mike has been my rock since the loss of my dad and I cannot imagine how life is going to be without him, he filled our lives with love and laughter and I am so proud to be able to say that he was my brother.

“I cannot find the words to explain how much he means to me but there will not be a day that goes by that he will not be missed."

Michelle's daughter, Rachel Whalley has set up a fundraising appeal for the family at www.gofundme.com/help-michelle-and-her-broken-family

Relatives say his fiancee, Michelle, cannot face returning to the family home and needs funds to cover the cost of moving home and getting school uniforms for her children.

A 16-year-old boy has been released on bail pending further enquiries by police investigating Mr Grimshaw’s death. Anyone with information should contact 0161 856 777 quoting reference number 2327 of 20/07/17 or the Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.