Philip Ellison, 47, received multiple stab wounds during the visit to a house on Glebe Close in Fulwood.

A 51-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder.

Police said he was in an "agitated state" when they arrived at the property.

Mr Ellison, of Leyland Road, Penwortham, Preston, was married with three sons and was a social worker in adult care for Lancashire County Council.

Detective Superintendent Steve Brunskill of Lancashire Police said: "This was a tragic incident and my condolences go to the family.

"A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently detained at Preston Police Station."

The incident will also be investigated by Lancashire County Council and Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust.

The killing was in a two-storey house on a cul-de-sac, part of a small estate of newly-built housing association properties.

A number of the houses, according to neighbours, are kept by the local authority for people who need care while living in the community.