A man fighting for his life after being stabbed on Good Friday has been named locally as Brian Blake.

The 63-year-old's wife returned at about 8am to find him on the sofa covered with blood at their home in Bentswood Crescent, in Haywards Heath.

Mr Blake had several stab wounds and had lost a lot of blood. He was flown to the Royal London Hospital, in Whitechapel, by air ambulance with life threatening injuries.

On Sunday his condition was described as serious but stable.

Mr Blake was described by neighbours as a "friendly" and gentle person who lived at the same address for 38 years. He worked as a brick maker but took early retirement after suffering a stroke.

Patricia Appleby, who lives next door to him, said: "He would never hurt anybody. He was a quiet man who kept himself to himself.

"He didn't get out very much. That was probably because of the stroke."

Bryan Fairhall, who lives in the area, said: "He was a very friendly guy."

Today 23-year-old Colin Edwards of Bentswood Crescent, Haywards Heath, was due to appear at Crawley Magistrates charged with attempted murder.

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