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Authorities have charged a man and a woman with murder after a model, aged 36, was discovered critically injured on a street in town.
Officers on patrol found Luke Harden fighting for his life on Newchurch Road in Bacup at 12:35 AM on Saturday.
Luke Harden tragically passed away on the pavement in a Lancashire town.Credit: Lancashire Constabulary
Officers discovered Luke fighting for his life on Newchurch Road in Bacup.Credit: SWNS
Despite their best efforts, Luke was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Lancashire Police arrested a 26-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman on suspicion of murder.
Bhekisani Matabiswana, of St James Street, Bacup, and Natalie Chadwick, 27, of Hamerton Green in the town, have now been charged with murder.
They are scheduled to appear at Blackburn Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
A post-mortem examination was conducted on Sunday, and Luke’s cause of death is currently “unascertained.”
Luke’s family expressed their heartfelt tribute, stating that he was “special.”
They wrote: “There are no words to convey how devastated we all are.
“We wish our Luke could witness the outpouring of love from everyone who knew him.
“He is and will always be special to us all, as a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle, boyfriend, and friend.
“You will forever reside in our hearts and minds, and we find comfort knowing that when we close our eyes, your beautiful face will always smile back at us.
“Rest in peace, our wonderful Luke, until we meet again.”
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police stated: “Although two individuals have been charged, we are still urging anyone with information that could assist our investigation to come forward.
“We are especially interested in hearing from any witnesses or anyone with dashcam or doorbell footage covering the area between 11:45 PM and 12:35 AM. We also want to speak with anyone who was at the Rosemount Working Men’s Club on Friday night whom we have not yet contacted.”
Bhekisani Matabiswana, 26, and Natalie Chadwick, 27, have been charged with murder.Credit: MEN Media
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Luke Harden?
Luke Harden was found critically injured on Newchurch Road in Bacup and later pronounced dead at the scene.
Who has been charged in connection with Luke's death?
Bhekisani Matabiswana, 26, and Natalie Chadwick, 27, have been charged with murder.
When will the suspects appear in court?
The suspects are scheduled to appear at Blackburn Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
