AN online appeal has been set up to pay for the funeral of Lee Monaghan as emotional tributes flood in from his friends.

The 23-year-old was allegedly stabbed to death in Belville Street late on Wednesday night, with the attack leaving his loved ones grief-stricken and friends devastated.

Detectives have issued a public appeal for any witnesses to come forward, while a friend of Mr Monaghan, who was known by many people by his nickname of ‘Mini’, has created an online fundraising page in his memory.

Local man Stephen McDonald said Lee had been ‘taken from us in the most disgusting circumstances leaving behind his mum Sandra on her own’.

He added: “It’s times like this we all need to come together to help each other out and help Sandra to give Lee the proper funeral he deserves. We know times are hard when it comes to money but every little penny helps, so we would all be eternally grateful if you could help out.”

The appeal this morning had surpassed its initial £1,000 target, sitting at £1,525 as the Tele went to press.

Neighbours of the victim have been left stunned by the tragedy.

One neighbour, who is close to the family, told the Tele: “He was such a lovely boy, quiet and good fun. He has lived here for years with his mum, he grew up here.

“He walks the dog with me – we just can’t believe it, can’t take it in.”

She added: “This place is getting really bad, I was attacked out in the street but nobody wants to know, everyone is scared.”

Another family friend and neighbour said: “I am devastated for his poor mum, we all are. She will never get over this.

“It is just terrible. This place has really went downhill in the last six or seven months.”

Tributes have also been paid to Mr Monaghan by shocked friends and members of the community.

Writing on Facebook, Harry Woodall said: “Gutted to hear about wee Lee Monaghan one of the boys I grew up with such a quality, harmless, funny wee guy!

“It’s a shame that there’s still scumbags out there capable of doing stuff like this.

“Rest in peace my man!”

Ashley McGartland added: “Can’t believe this! Absolutely heartbreaking!”

Robert Cairns, a former schoolfriend of the victim, said: “So sad to be writing this but RIP to an old school pal wee mini. (lee monaghan). Took too soon, party on up there bud.”

Detective Inspector Alan McAlpine of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Teams (West) is leading the inquiry into Lee’s death.

DI McAlpine said: “We are currently trying to establish the events leading up to the disturbance in Belville Street which ultimately resulted in the death of this young man.

“It is vital that we speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Belville Street around 2320 hours on Wednesday night and may have witnessed activity there, or perhaps seen the suspect or suspects running off.”

Anyone with information should contact Greenock Police Office via telephone number 101, or alternatively calls can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.