The fatal stabbing of a man in Adelaide’s northeast has sparked a manhunt involving a police helicopter and officers from the STAR tactical group.

A 25-year-old man died at Gilles Plains after being stabbed in the neck at a Gay Avenue home about 10:20pm.

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Police said in a statement the suspect was known to the victim.

Neighbour John Williams said he knew the man killed by sight, though not by name.

“They’re pretty quiet,” he said.

“I see him out doing the lawn and mowing and that occasionally and give him a wave. I don’t know his name, I don’t know that, but I’m shocked.

“I’m really shocked to think that can happen just opposite your house.”