A murder investigation has been launched and two teens arrested after a man died in a stabbing.

Police were called at around 2.45pm on Tuesday after reports someone had been injured in an alleyway in Cheltenham, Glos.

Emergency services including an air ambulance attended but a man aged in his 40s was pronounced dead.

The next of kin and the coroner have been informed.

Officers, including armed response, went to the scene and searched the area.

Two teenagers and a man were arrested and remain in police custody.

A local resident who did not wish to be named, said: "We are aware of what happened and it's shocking."

"It even happened in the afternoon. It's very scary. We're OK, but it has shaken us up."

"I don't have anything more to say right now. We're in shock."

Another said: "It's very sad, but people are very stupid."

"What can you do. This is the world we live in now."

Some locals were so scared by the incident in the largely student area they had new door locks installed.

A local builder said: "We were called this morning to one house."

"The girls called us first thing this morning saying they felt unsafe, and we can't be having that. So we've installed new locks on the door."

"Lots of stories are going around - some saying it's gang violence, others suggesting drugs, or a family argument."

''It's all speculation but we have young people who feel unsafe living here now. It's a nightmare."

The Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) is in the early stages of an investigation, and there will continue to be a police presence in the area throughout the evening while enquiries take place at the scene.

Superintendent James Glansfield said: "We understand that the nature of this incident will cause shock to the community, particularly given the age of those arrested."

"A thorough investigation is now underway by MCIT after officers quickly arrested three individuals."

"A cordon remains in place while forensic officers examine the scene. "

''There will be an increased presence of police officers in the area and we would encourage anyone with concerns to speak to them.

"The victim's family are being supported by specialist officers and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time."