A young father stabbed to death made a final phone call to his wife while he lay dying in the street.

Chris Stones, 27, was found in Pavilion Road, Worthing, with a single stab wound to his stomach in what police believe was an unprovoked attack.

He was found just after 11pm on Thursday. Today his uncle, Peter Stones, spoke of the family's shock at the tragedy.

He said: "Chris rang his wife Tabatha while he was on the floor saying he had been stabbed but she just thought he was drunk. She's just in absolute pieces now.

"Chris was walking home with a friend, going to his friend's house. His friend went inside and realised Chris wasn't behind him. When he came out he realised there had been some argument and my nephew had been stabbed.

"Everyone I have spoken to is just in shock, especially his dad. He's absolutely numb. There is no reason for this."

Chris had two children, two-year-old Tia and a baby boy.

Peter, 55, who lives in Cambridge Road, Worthing, said: "Chris doted on his kids. He was a big family man. He never ever stopped talking about them."

Although Chris was living in another uncle's house, in Cowper Road, Worthing, at the time of his death, he was still close to his wife, with whom he had separated, and the children who lived in Durrington.

Chris was supposed to be helping Tabatha, his two children and Tabatha's three children from a previous marriage move to a new home in central Worthing yesterday. Peter was still contacting other members of the large Stones family, including Chris's father, also called Chris, who lives in Hastings, his mother Pauline and five sisters who live in Manchester, where the family originally comes from.

Chris moved to Worthing about six years ago. A builder, he was not working at the time of his death as he was on a vocational course in bricklaying at a local college.

A 29-year-old man was arrested at an address in Worthing yesterday. He was taken to a custody centre where detectives were waiting to interview him.

Detective Chief Inspector Graham Pratt, leading the murder inquiry, codenamed Operation Large, said it appeared to be a vicious and unprovoked attack.

Police want to question a 6ft white male, believed to be local who was wearing a dark jacket.

Mr Pratt said: "We appeal to local people who may have seen this to provide us with information"

Chris was very popular and a dedicated Manchester United fan. He would often meet friends and family in The Wheatsheaf pub, Richmond Road, Worthing.

Yesterday Peter went to the spot where Chris died. He said: "I wanted to pay my respects."

Tony Savage, 63, lived next door to Chris in Cowper Road and knew him for about 20 years. He said: "I just remember him as a great guy. I used to go fishing with him and camping in the Downs. We went just last Sunday."

Anyone with information can contact the incident room on 0845 6070999 or call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.