DETECTIVES investigating a murder and wounding in Blackburn have charged a man.

Officers were called shortly after midnight on Sunday after a 23-year-old man was assaulted close to the Texaco Garage in Grimshaw Park.

The victim suffered a stab wound to his arm and a slash wound to his back and was treated at Royal Blackburn Hospital before later being released.

A short time later at around 1.30am on Monday, officers were called by the North West Ambulance Service after a man was found with a stab wound to the stomach in Largs Road, Shadsworth.

The 51-year-old victim named as James Murray was helped by neighbours before being taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital where he died a short time later.

Police tonight said Lee Kenyon, 35, of Hall Street, Blackburn, was charged with the murder of James Murray.

He was charged with wounding and possession of an offensive weapon.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.

Officers said a 55-year-old man from Blackburn, arrested earlier on suspicion of murder, had also been released without charge.

Detectives said they were now satisfied he had no involvement in Mr Murray’s death.