Another Polish woman, who would not be named said: “He was a good man. He helped everyone. He always wanted to help.

“It’s a shock for us.

“We are really sad because we really liked this man.

“We want to say how sorry we are to the family.”

Police were called to the flat on Abbeystead at around 10.15am on Saturday after a local resident made the discovery at the rear flat.

Officers and ambulance crews attended and the man was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

The post mortem, carried out yesterday confirmed the cause of death was from stab wounds.

Detective Superintendent Andy Webster, who is leading the investigation, said: “I would still like to appeal to anybody who may have any information about this incident to contact police as a matter of urgency.”

Police also want to speak to anyone who may have seen a black Ford Ranger with the registration MVO4 FXM in or around the Skelmersdale area after 10am on Saturday.

An incident room has been set up at Skelmersdale Police Station where detectives are investigating. Neighbourhood police are also working with the local community.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 01772 614 444 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.