"ONE in a million" was how the parents of an alleged murder victim described their loving son.

Jimmy and Marion Embley, of Charter Street, Accrington, paid tribute to their eldest son Ken Embley, 35, who died last week after being found with knife wounds to his neck.

The couple, both 54, described their son as "sociable, conscientious and funny".

Marion said: "Ken will be remembered for the love he generated and for having the rare quality of being able to talk to anybody and everybody."

The family said Ken's death has not just left a huge hole in their lives, but in the lives of Ken's numerous pals in and out of Hyndburn.

Jimmy said: "He was everything to everybody. If somebody needed to talk he would listen to them, he had a really sympathetic ear. But if someone needed cheering up he could make them laugh. Whatever troubles he had, he never lost his perspective and knew to help others."

Ken was rushed by ambulance from an address in Royds Street, Accrington, last Monday night but was pronounced dead at Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

His brother Sean, 32, said: "Ken was a big people person. It didn't matter what your creed was, he saw through it and was interested in the actual person.

"He was brilliant for a conversation because he wanted to find out about people. He put them at ease.

"He loved to go to the pub and talk about anything and everything with anybody and everybody. After just two months of going to the Oak Tree Inn in Blackburn Road, Accrington, he became captain of the pool team. That speaks volumes about how much people thought of him."

Ken also leaves sister Sharon Blakelidge, 33, brother-in-law and friend Chris, nephews Michael, Luke and Curtis Embley and his girlfriend Susan.

No date has been set for the funeral, but Marion said: "Everybody is welcome. Ken was a big Manchester United fan and would have been very touched if mourners wore a United shirt. We don't want it to be doom and gloom, so seeing people in United shirts or colours would have put a smile on his face."

Wolstenholme's Funeral Service will have details of the funeral once it has been organised and can be contacted on 232604.

  • A TEENAGE girl has been remanded to secure accommodation after being charged with the murder of Mr Embley. The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will appear at Hyndburn Youth Court on Tuesday 1 February when it is expected an application for bail will be made.
  • AN inquest into Mr Embley's death was opened at Blackburn on Tuesday and adjourned indefinitely.