The man was assaulted by up to eight youths at 10.45pm on Friday on Station Road North in Warrington, Cheshire.

He was taken to Warrington General Hospital but died, police said.

The victim is understood to have approached youths causing criminal damage in the area but was then attacked.

A Cheshire Police spokeswoman said eight male youths, aged between 15 and 19, were arrested and were helping with inquiries.

A force spokesman added: "Additional patrols are now working in the community and officers are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident. Investigating officers say the assault does not form any part of a pattern."

Members of the victim's family were too upset to speak.

Neighbours said there had been some problems with youths misbehaving in the local area and in surrounding parks.

Andrew Brocklehurst, 20, said: "I was on my lap-top and I heard some shouting in the street, I looked out of the window to see him on the floor with people around him nursing him. By the time I got downstairs and outside police and an ambulance were already here.

"I heard reports someone had kicked his car and he had gone out and tried to move them on and as far as I know that's when they attacked him. It's a shock, it really is, it's not such a bad area and this is just a guy trying to defend his own property and he's been killed."