A homicide investigation has been launched after a man who had been stabbed died at a Laidley house that had been set alight.
Police were called to a house in Patrick Street, Laidley, just before 10pm yesterday in response to reports a man had been stabbed several times.
A fire had also been deliberately lit in the Lockyer Valley house and was extinguished by emergency crews.
The 48-year-old man died at the scene a short time later.
Police are searching for at least four men, aged in their late teens to early 20s, who are believed to be involved in the incident.
The partner of the dead man heard a disturbance and after investigating found her partner with significant injuries at the rear of the premises.
Police said she was confronted by the alleged offenders, who set the house alight before fleeing the scene.
Police and ambulance members conducted first aid, but the man died at the scene.
'We believe it was a targeted attack'
Acting Detective Superintendent Garry Watts said it was a targeted attack.
"At this stage, we don't believe it was a random attack, we believe it was a targeted attack on the victim," he said.
"That [drug activity] is certainly an enquiry we will be looking into."
The partner of the deceased is assisting police with the investigation and is not believed to be involved in the incident.
"Other than witnessing what can only be described as a horrific incident and she has been assisting us with our enquiries," Acting Detective Superintendent Watts said.
"As you can well imagine, she is suffering."
Police are urging members of the public, including those driving on the Warrego Highway in the area from about 9:30pm onwards, to come forward with any information.
There was an extensive crime scene at the address this morning.
