FRIENDS have told of their shock after a Bournemouth pub manager died from stab wounds following an incident at his pub.

Steve Galsworthy, 41, was attacked with a knife in the Lion's Head pub on Holdenhurst Road. Police were called to the pub, formerly known as Samson's, at 8pm on Wednesday after reports of a stabbing.

Mr Galsworthy was taken to Royal Bournemouth Hospital, where he later died of his injuries.

Police cordoned off the pub and adjoining club Sound Circus on Thursday while forensic officers examined the scene for clues.

A witness said Mr Galsworthy was stabbed several times in the back, in front of his girlfriend and other horrified drinkers.

A friend who was in the pub with Mr Galsworthy on the night said: "I went out of the pub for a cigarette and a mate came running out and said there is a very serious situation.

"I ran back into the pub and I saw Steve covered in blood saying: Help me'."

The friend, who does not wish to be named, said: "The whole community is going to be affected. Steve was a straight-talking honest and upstanding man who will be badly missed."

Yesterday friends were laying flowers and leaving cards outside the pub.

One of the notes read: "Steve: Never to be forgotten, mates 4 life" and was signed Tony the Bolt, Karen and Mat.

Another read: "Steve, thanks for excellent nights and always giving a warm welcome. You are always in our hearts. Mel, Rob and family."

Mike Johnson, who works in a printing shop near the pub, said: "Steve was often seen walking along the street with his German Shepherd. He was a lovely bloke. I am sure a lot of people are going to be as sad as we are."

FRIENDS have told of their shock after a Bournemouth pub manager died from stab wounds following an incident at his pub.

Steve Galsworthy, 41, was attacked with a knife in the Lion's Head pub on Holdenhurst Road. Police were called to the pub, formerly known as Samson's, at 8pm on Wednesday after reports of a stabbing.

Mr Galsworthy was taken to Royal Bournemouth Hospital, where he later died of his injuries.

Police cordoned off the pub and adjoining club Sound Circus on Thursday while forensic officers examined the scene for clues.

A witness said Mr Galsworthy was stabbed several times in the back, in front of his girlfriend and other horrified drinkers.

A friend who was in the pub with Mr Galsworthy on the night said: "I went out of the pub for a cigarette and a mate came running out and said there is a very serious situation.

"I ran back into the pub and I saw Steve covered in blood saying: Help me'."

The friend, who does not wish to be named, said: "The whole community is going to be affected. Steve was a straight-talking honest and upstanding man who will be badly missed."

Former girlfriend of four years Julie Kershaw said: "My nickname for Steve was Tigger because he was a bouncy person. He could be the life and soul. But he was also a very thoughtful and charitable person. It is strange for someone who worked as a doorman but you will never hear anyone with a bad word to say about him.

"He acted as a father to my three children and they are just distraught to hear the news.

"My heart goes out to Steve's mum, dad, brother and his present girlfriend. He touched people's hearts."

Mr Galsworthy was a talented singer and formed a Paul Weller tribute act in 2005.

He performed at last year's Christchurch Carnival and told friends he hoped he would be remembered for his music.

Another friend, who worked with Mr Galsworthy regularly and who last saw him very early on Wednesday morning, said: "This brings home the vulnerability of people who work in the licensing trade.

"It is really sad because he had just announced his engagement, his girlfriend had come over to Bournemouth a few weeks ago and they were planning to move to Tenerife.

"Steve always said the pub would kill him, but I don't think he meant like that."

Detective Chief Inspector John Crossland from the Major Crime Investigation Team is leading the investigation.

A post mortem was carried out by a Home Office pathologist at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester on Thursday.

A police spokesman said a 39-year-old Bournemouth man has been arrested and is helping police with their enquiries.

The man had gone to a police station voluntarily.

  • DETECTIVES have been granted extra time to question a man arrested on suspicion of murder.

The 39-year-old man has been held since Wednesday night in connection with the death of Steve Galsworthy.

A spokesman for Dorset Police today confirmed police had been granted a warrant of further extension until midnight tonight by the town's magistrates.