Detectives have launched a murder investigation after a man was stabbed in the street.

The 23-year-old was attacked in Meadow Lane, Loughborough, in the early hours of yesterday.

Police have yet to formally release the identity of the victim but he has been named locally as Nitu Das.

Mr Das, from Loughborough, suffered a single stab wound, at about 2.30am.

Police said he was taken to the walk-in NHS centre in Pinfold Gate, where staff treated him outside the building.

Officers have not said who took him to the centre but said staff there called an ambulance and the police when they realised the severity of Mr Das's wound.

Police yesterday cordoned off Meadow Lane, where it bridges Grand Union Canal, as well as the car park of the Boat Inn pub and a block of flats in Cartwright Street.

Officers have arrested a 38-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman in connection with the killing. Yesterday, members of the police tactical support group and forensics officers were scouring the area for clues.

The police declined to say if they had recovered the weapon used.

A dozen bunches of flowers, many bearing tributes, were left at the scene yesterday.

One tribute read: "RIP Nitu my brother. I love you a lot and you will be missed. You had a big heart and you didn't deserve to lose your life this way. Love you. Your little sister Nikita (puja) xxx"

A note from Mr Das's uncle read: "Sorry your (sic) gone. You are going to be missed. You were too young to be taken."

Another tribute read: "Rip Nitu. You will be sadly missed and never forgotten. Love James Horrobin and Sian."

Others read "Gone way too soon. Gunna miss u. RIP. Brad and Marky", and, "RIP lad. Gone but not forgotten. Jojo"

Charnwood borough councillor for Meadow Lane Jewel Miah said he had spoken to Mr Das's family.

He said: "This has left them distraught. For a young man to lose his life like this is a real tragedy.

"We do not have a serious problem with violent crime in this area, which makes an incident such as this all the more shocking."

One friend of the family, who did not want to be named, said: "His mother is devastated.

"She can't believe her son has been taken away like this. They are a close family and everybody feels very saddened about what's happened."

Keith Brown was staying on his narrowboat on the canal near the scene when he was woken by shouting and screaming at about 2.30am.

He said: "There was a real racket. I couldn't see very much because it was dark.

"You often get quite a lot of noise at night along the canal but it's mainly kids messing around."

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Castle, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are keen to piece together the circumstances that led to this incident and we would urge anyone who may have any information about a disturbance in Meadow Lane between 2am and 3am on Monday to contact the police immediately."

A post-mortem examination was being held yesterday afternoon.

The arrested man and the woman remained in custody.

Anyone with information can call the police on 0116 222 2222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.