AN 18-year-old has been charged with the murder of a Darwen man.

Daniel Bamford, 18, of Harvey Lane, Warrington, has been charged with murder and Section 18 – wounding with intent.

He has been remanded to appear at Preston Crown Court on Monday.

Police have confirmed the name of the deceased as Michael Keen, 42, of Darwen. A post mortem revealed he died from multiple stab wounds.

Officers were called by the ambulance service to Hazel Avenue around 4.15pm on Thursday following reports a man and woman had been stabbed.

Mr Keen, 42, was pronounced dead at the scene having suffered a number of injuries.

A 42-year-old woman was also wounded and taken by ambulance to the Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

She has since been released after receiving treatment.

Three men from Liverpool aged 15, 16 and 43 were arrested on suspicion of murder at a nearby address on Frances Street. They have since been released no charge.

A further three men aged 17, 18, and 33 were arrested in Liverpool on Friday afternoon.

The 18-year-old was being held on suspicion of murder and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, while the other two were being questioned on suspicion of assisting an offender and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

A further three men aged 19, 23 and 44 were arrested later that day (Friday, August 26) in St Helens, Merseyside. All were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

The remaining men aged 17, 19, 23, 33 and 44 have all been bailed to October 25.

Detective Supt Paul Withers, from the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “A man has sadly lost his life and my thoughts remain with Mr Keen’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“While we have made a number of arrests and since charged a man, we would continue encouraging people to come forward and help with our inquiries.

“If anyone has any information about this incident that could help us I would urge them to either speak to a local officer or to call us direct.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting incident reference 917 of August 25.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers.org.