Jesmond stabbing death: Police issue arrest warrant for Kevin Smith for the alleged murder of Daniel Pettersson

A massive manhunt continues for stabbed man‘s love rival as friends say he was fearful in recent months.

Daniel Pettersson was fearful for several months before he died from a stab wound on a Jesmond street, his friends say.

Mr Pettersson, 34, died soon after being stabbed in the torso after he attended the Michael St home belonging to his former partner on Thursday afternoon.

Senior police announced on Friday that an arrest warrant for murder had issued for Kevin Smith, a 37-year-old love rival of Mr Pettersson’s who had been released from jail in November.

The scene of the stabbing on Michael Rd; Jesmond. Picture: Dan Proudman

A massive manhunt continued more than a day after Mr Petterson bled to death after being stabbed at the home of his former partner.

“I still have messages on my phone from him saying how frightened he was,’’ said one friend of Mr Pettersson’s, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Strike Force Mantillus, comprising local and homicide squad detectives, was established to investigate Mr Pettersson’s death as they continued to search for Smith.

In announcing the granting of the arrest warrant for murder, acting Newcastle City police district commander Superintendent Darren Beeche also gave a warning for anyone who may be harbouring Smith.

“[Smith is] known to frequent the Newcastle area however, also has links to multiple locations across the state, including Sydney and parts of northern New South Wales,’’ acting Supt Beeche said.

“We have extensive resources currently tasked with locating this man, officers from neighbouring police districts and specialist units are conducting extensive inquiries.

“I‘d like to reassure the community that we believe this incident was domestic related.

“We are also alleging the two men are known to each other. I can confirm both men were known to police for previous matters.

“Detectives have been speaking with family and associates of both parties and we would like to remind persons that if they withhold information that could assist Investigators then they could face arrest and prosecution themselves.’’

Supplied Editorial Daniel Pettersson, who died after being stabbed at Jesmond

Smith had moved into the Jesmond home of his former partner, who had also previously been in a relationship with Mr Pettersson, some time after being released from jail in November.

“Police have been told [Mr Pettersson] had attended the Jesmond home and was injured during an altercation with a male occupant known to him,’’ acting Supt Beeche said.“This man fled the scene a short time later, and he remains outstanding.’’

The scene of the stabbing on Michael Rd; Jesmond. Picture: Dan Proudman

Supt Beeche also had a message to the man they were searching for: “I would also like to say to Mr Smith, please attend your nearest police station. It is only a matter of time before police locate you.’’

Friends said Mr Pettersson had turned his life around in the past 12 months, with the Wallsend man clean and cheerful.He had had his own struggles in the past but was healthier and looking towards a bright future.“He was the happiest I had ever seen him, he was smiling when we never saw him smile,’’ the friend said.“He had so much to live for and then the threats started and he feared what would happen to him.’’Forensic police were expected to remain at the Michael St home for at least another day as investigators continued to interview witnesses and associates of Mr Pettersson.An autopsy is expected to be held on Monday.

Grieving family members were travelling from Queensland on Friday.