Residents in Winewall have spoken of their shock after hearing of the death of villager Steven Sheppard in Colne yesterday.

Police said they discovered the body of the man in his 40s after being called to the home in Portland Street.

A man and woman from Colne, aged 40 and 49, and a 34-year-old woman from Padiham were arrested on suspicion of murder and were last night being questioned by police.

One woman, who has lived on the same street as Mr Sheppard in Winewall for eight years, described him as a ‘character’ who was very well known in the area.

Another man said he would often sit in front of his house on sunny days, drinking with friends and speaking to people as they passed.

Brian Jackson, who lives in the village, said: “It is very sad news.

“He was very well known in the village and his family are local people.”

In Portland Street residents said police had visited the house in question a number of times in recent weeks.

Laura Oiller, 28, said: “I heard shouting and banging at about 7pm, so I looked outside and saw the police and ambulance.

“The woman who lives there is in her late 40s and has lived there with her boyfriend for quite a while.

“I don’t know them really well, but people are always coming and going at the house and the police have been there quite a few times.”.

Miss Oiller, who has lived in the street for around six years and has an 11-year-old daughter, said: “I think it’s disgusting, it’s really shocking.”

Cat Hewitt, 28, who also lives in the area, said: “This is a really normal street, so this happening is really shocking.”

Thelma Greenwood, who has lived in the street for 30 years, said: “During the summer I heard a lot of noise coming from the house.

“It is a surprise.

“The police have been coming and going, carrying out their investigations and I can’t sleep because I’m worried about what has happened.”

Another neighbour, who has lived in the street for 43 years and asked to remain anonymous, said: “There have been a lot of things going on at the house recently, with people coming and going to the back door, shouting outside and fighting in the back street.

“On Saturday night there was a lot of shouting at about 2am or 3am.”

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