Connor James Black died from a single knife wound after attending a party in Harpurhey, Manchester.

The joinery student was taken from the scene by ambulance but died on the way to hospital.

Yesterday, friends laid flowers in his memory, including beauty therapy student Kirsty Scullion, 18, who said Connor had unwittingly become involved in an argument.

'It all got out of hand and there was a commotion and he ended up getting stabbed. He was a loveable lad who was never really in trouble,' she added.

As forensics officers studied the murder scene, detectives and uniformed officers carried out house-to-house inquiries.

Miss Scullion's brother, Jordan, 15, said: 'I can't believe this has happened. He had everything to live for and was a normal young lad and into football. All his friends are stunned.'

Det Supt Shaun Donnellan said: 'We are at the early stages of this inquiry, but we believe there may have been witnesses who could assist our investigation.'

A 16-year-old was yesterday arrested in connection with the murder inquiry.