A man who tragically died following a stabbing at Hamilton South on the weekend has been remembered as a loving brother, son, father, husband and pop.
The family of Stephen Morris, 42, gave a heartfelt tribute after his death in the hope his legacy would be for the person he was instead of where he lived or how he died.
Brian Morris told the Newcastle Herald his older brother had made some mistakes, and had troubles in life, but had a big heart and a large family who adored him.
"He was a brother, he was a son, he was a father, he was a pop, he was a person," Brian said through tears.
"He was a person with a heart of gold. He would do anything for anyone.
"He was everything to me."
Brian said he rushed to Hassall Street at Hamilton South on the afternoon of Saturday, July 11, after receiving a call to say his brother had been stabbed.
He said he arrived to find paramedics working on Stephen and was reassured emergency services were doing everything they could.
Family members went to John Hunter Hospital when Stephen was taken in an ambulance, but were sadly told he could not be saved and had died from his injuries.
Brian said his older brother deserved to be known for what he meant to his family without any "label", and that where someone lived should not matter.
Brian returned to the unit block on Hassall Street on Sunday while he processed the loss.
Strike force police continued to comb the area throughout the day as they pieced together how the fatal stabbing unfolded.
Police forensically examined the crime scene and were canvassing the area for potential witnesses. The homicide squad was called in to back Newcastle detectives.
"Those investigators are very much invested in ascertaining what led to the man's death," Newcastle City Police District commander Superintendent Kylie Endemi said.
"We will use all of the resources and the investigative tools at our disposal and we will find out what has occurred.
"We will find the person that has committed this crime."
No charges had been laid on Sunday night.
Emergency services were called to reports of a stabbing on Hassall Street, Hamilton South, about 3.30pm on Saturday, July 11.
Police at the scene found paramedics treating a man in his 40s for a stab wound but he sadly died a short time later. Police had not yet formally identified the man on Sunday.
Superintendent Endemi said Hassall Street and the surrounding areas were busy and there would have been pedestrians and traffic about at the time.
She urged anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage, or with any information, to assist police by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
"We do anticipate that there will be other people that hold information in relation to what transpired and who committed this crime," she said.
Police have poured resources into keeping Hamilton South safe. Superintendent Endemi said proactive and high-visibility operations would continue.
"I can reassure the community that they are safe, there is no threat remaining to the community, and reassure them that our investment in keeping our community and our streets safe continues," she said.
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