Matthew Daulby stabbing: Man found guilty of fight murder

Henry Houghton denied murder but was found guilty after a trial at Preston Crown Court

A man has been found guilty of murdering a 19-year-old who was stabbed during a fight.

Matthew Daulby, of Liverpool, was found with stab injuries near Railway Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, on 29 July and died a short time later in hospital.

Henry Houghton, now 19, of Scarisbrick, denied murder but was convicted by a jury at Preston Crown Court. He will be sentenced on Friday.

Finley Cook, 20, of Ormskirk, was cleared of murder.

Lancashire Police said officers went to Railway Road at 00:05 BST after reports of an altercation.

Matthew Daulby died in hospital shortly after the attack

Mr Daulby was struck to his head by Houghton who used a "makeshift weapon comprising of a tied up sock containing a rock", police said.

Such was the force of the blow, it caused damage to his brain and likely disorientated him before the fatal stab wound, the court heard.

Police said it was the prosecution's case that although he did not deliver the fatal blow to Mr Daulby, Houghton assisted in his murder and had a shared intention to cause really serious harm or to kill.

Det Ch Insp Andy Fallows said: "As a result of his senseless and violent actions, Houghton contributed to Matthew losing his life.

"The jury have recognised that in their considered verdict, and I thank them for that.

"I hope this conviction give Matthew's family some comfort and understanding of what happened to him on that fateful night."

Detectives want to speak to Thomas Dures as part of the investigation

He added the force wanted to speak to 20-year-old Thomas Dures "as part of our ongoing enquiries".

"I want to appeal to anyone with any information on his whereabouts to either get in contact with the police or Crimestoppers, who continue to offer a £10,000 reward for any information which leads to his arrest," he said.

A second man injured in the fight was treated in hospital and discharged.