A 26-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of much-loved dad Kirk Marsden.
The 37-year old was hit by a pick-up truck outside a Blackburn pub on Christmas Day – following an altercation earlier that day at the same venue. Officers were called to The Gate pub on the corner of Moorgate Street at about 4.50pm after Kirk was struck by a Toyota Land Cruiser.
He suffered multiple serious injuries and was taken to Royal Preston Hospital but medics were unable to save him. Police last night swooped to arrest a third man – the 26-year-old – in connection with the probe. He is currently being questioned by detectives.
DCI Bryony Midgley said: “As part of this fast-paced investigation, we have made a further arrest today. On the night we recovered a Toyota Land Cruiser from a carpark in Brindle Street, after it had travelled down Livesey Branch Road following the fatal collision.
“I would ask anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam which covered the area between Livesey Branch Road and Brindle Street in between 4.30pm and 5pm on Christmas Day to check their footage. If you have captured a Toyota Land Cruiser please make contact with my team.
“We know there was an altercation in The Gate prior to the fatal incident outside, which is linked. I would ask any witnesses we haven’t already spoken to or anybody with mobile phone footage to also make contact with my team.
“I am aware that news of this incident will cause some concern in the community. I’d like to reassure everyone that we have increased patrols in the area.”
A 58-year-old man and a 35-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of murder on December 27. The 35-year-old remains in custody, while the 58-year-old has been released on conditional bail.
Paying tribute on Friday, Kirk’s family said: “To our hero, spread your wings far and wide your partner Leanne and your babies love you millions. You really were like no other, goodnight. Kirk you were a well-loved son, brother and uncle who will be sorely missed. Rest with your dad now in heaven.”
Anyone with information or footage is asked to call 101, quoting log 0747 of 27 December 2024 or upload it directly to the police’s major incident portal.
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