Two charged with murder after man found dying in Bacup

Two people have been charged with murder after a 37-year-old man was found dying on a street in Bacup, Lancashire, in the early hours of Saturday, November 1. Police say officers on patrol discovered paramedics giving cardiopulmonary resuscitation to Luke Harden on Newchurch Road at about 12.35am; he was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Natalie Chadwick, 27, and Bhekisani Matabiswana, 26, both from Bacup, were charged with one count of murder and appeared at Blackburn Magistrates Court on Wednesday, November 5. The short hearing was limited to confirmation of personal details. Chadwick was reported to be visibly upset in court and was taken to the cells with assistance from court staff. Matabiswana bowed his head as proceedings took place. Both defendants were remanded in custody and are due to appear at Preston Crown Court later in the week.

A Home Office postmortem examination was carried out on Sunday, November 2. Lancashire Police said the cause of death is currently unascertained pending further enquiries and examinations. Detectives leading the investigation have appealed for witnesses and any electronic evidence from the area, asking specifically for dashcam or...