Two charged with murder after death of model in Bacup
The cause of death remains unascertained pending further tests and enquiries
Detectives investigating the death of 37-year-old Luke Harden in Bacup have charged two people with his murder.
Bhekisani Matabiswana, 26, and Natalie Chadwick, 27, are both due to appear before Blackburn Magistrates’ Court this morning (4 November).
Police were called to Newchurch Road at around 12:35am on Saturday (1 November), after officers on patrol came across paramedics performing CPR on a man on the pavement.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services, Luke was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Home Office post-mortem examination took place on Sunday, though the cause of death remains unascertained pending further tests and enquiries.
Police say Luke’s family continues to be supported by specially trained officers and have been kept informed of the latest developments.
"Devastated"
In a heartfelt tribute, his family said: “There are no words to describe how devastated we all are. We wish our Luke could see the outpouring of love from everyone who knows him.
"He is and will always be special to us all, as a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle, boyfriend and friend.
"You will be forever in our hearts and minds, and we are comforted knowing we can shut our eyes and your beautiful face will always be smiling back at us. Rest in peace, our gorgeous Luke, until we will meet again.”
The Manchester-based Nemesis Model Agency have also paid tribute, they said: "It’s with great sadness that we must announce the untimely death of one of our favourite models LUKE HARDEN.
"Luke had been a model with Nemesis since 2013 and he was loved by everyone who met him and respected by everyone who worked with him."
Although two people have now been charged, detectives are continuing to appeal for information.
Officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone with dashcam or doorbell footage covering the area between 11:45pm and 12:35am, or from anyone who was inside the Rosemount Working Men’s Club on Friday night who has not yet spoken to police.