A suspected burglar was stabbed to death when trying to break into a house.
The man, who has not been named, was trying to gain entry into a house on Ethel Avenue in Salford, Greater Manchester, around midnight last night.
Police were called to the scene after a woman at the house called 999.
The intruder was carried away by members of his gang as they escaped the scene.
Police have arrested two men and a woman on suspicion of attempted murder. It is believed that the three people who have been arrested live at the property that was being burgled.
A spokeswoman for the police said: ''Police are investigating after a man died in Salford.
''Just before midnight, police were called to an address on Ethel Avenue, Pendlebury, following reports of a burglary and a group of men carrying an injured man on to Hospital Road.
''On arrival at Hospital Road, police found a 26-year-old man with stab wounds.
''He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
''Two men and a woman have been arrested and remain in police custody.''
Earlier this week, Prime Minister David Cameron said that a new justice bill would mean that homeowners would not be prosecuted for using reasonable force to defend their homes.
He said: "My mission is to make sure families feel safe in their homes and they can walk the streets freely and without fear. Our policies are about making sure that is the case.
"The system today is failing and badly needs reform."
Salford Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Kevin Mulligan told The Telegraph: "Clearly this is a shocking incident and a man has lost his life.
"However, I can reassure the community that we will thoroughly investigate what happened last night and do not believe that members of the public are at risk.
"I would urge anyone who knows something to speak to officers from the major incident team and anyone else who has other concerns can speak to my officers, who will be providing an increased presence to provide the community with reassurance."
