A MERSEYSIDE pensioner was found stabbed to death in his home.
Detectives were today leading a murder inquiry after the man, believed to be in his 70s, was found dead by police.
Officers were called to a house on Dawson Avenue, Birkenhead, at 1.40am yesterday after a report of an assault.
The victim, named locally as Herbert “Bert” Allanson, was declared dead at the scene.
Merseyside Police confirmed that a 20-year-old was arrested nearby on suspicion of murder “following a domestic incident”.
Last night shocked neighbours paid tribute to Mr Allanson, who was a retired greengrocer.
Jenny Taylor told the ECHO: “Bert was very kind. He looked after everyone on the street, he did all my plants for me. At Christmas he would bring sausage rolls and mince pies round. He would always do you a favour anytime. He would give me lifts.
“He loved children and was great with my sons and grandchildren.
“He wasn’t very close to his family and kept himself to himself the rest of the time. I’ve known him for years he used to have a greengrocers on Duke Street and worked for a friend on a fruit and veg stall in Birkenhead market.
“We heard he was stabbed.”
Mrs Taylor added that she had been woken up around 2am when she heard banging.
She said: “I looked out and saw police and they were breaking down the front door.”
Another neighbour, who didn’t want to be named, said: “Bert had a kind heart, it’s so sad.”
Danny Doyle, marketing director at Birkenhead Indoor Market said: “Bert was a long-standing employee and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
A post-mortem carried out last night revealed that the victim died from stab wounds.
A police spokesman said: “The man is yet to be formally identified by next of kin. The 20-year-old man remains in police custody at this time.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 2265 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Source Liverpool Echo 
