Three men have appeared in court charged with the murder of a man who was struck by a car outside a Blackburn pub on Christmas Day.
Kirk Marsden, 37, died in the early hours of December 26 after being struck by the Toyota Land Cruiser outside the Gate Street Bar and Grill on Christmas Day. James Ward, 26, of no fixed address, Thomas Ward, 58, of no fixed address, and Michael O’Neill, 35, of New Welling Street, Blackburn, appeared at Preston Magistrates Court today (December 30).
None of the men entered any pleas the charges and magistrates sent the case to Preston Crown Court, where the men will appear before the Recorder of Preston, Judge Robert Altham, on Tuesday (December 31).
Lancashire Police are continuing with the investigation into to the circumstances of Kirk’s death. DCI Bryony Midgley, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with Kirk’s family and loved ones at this difficult time, and they will continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
“While three men have been charged with murder, the investigation continues, and we are still appealing for witnesses to come forward. This incident started with an altercation in The Gate. We can see from the CCTV that there are a number of witnesses who we have not yet spoken to. If this is you, I ask that you please make contact with my team.”
“We have recovered a Toyota Land Cruiser that was involved in the incident from a carpark on Brindle Street. It had travelled from Moorgate St and down Livesey Branch Road following the fatal collision.
“I am continuing to ask for anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam which covers these areas between 4.30pm and 5pm on Christmas Day to check their footage. If you have captured a Toyota Land Cruiser, please contact us.”
Any witnesses, or anyone with information, please contact 101, quoting log 0747 of December 27, or upload it directly to our Major Incident Portal here.
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