A MEMORIAL was held in tribute to a young man who died after suffering a serious injury to his neck in a town centre bar. 

Jason 'Jay Jay' Livesey Taylor, 23, who lives in Darwen, was killed following a serious assault in his home town, just after 1am on Sunday.

Detectives believe Jason had been inside the bar when he was approached by another man and assaulted at Esco-Bar, in The Green.

Witnesses said the assault came after 20 people were seen fighting each other near the bar and towards the back of Vault bar, situated two buildings away.

A Home Office post mortem examination concluded that Mr Taylor died as a result of a serious injury to his neck.

Friends, family and members of the community gathered to pay their respects to Jason outside Esco-Bar yesterday at around 2.30pm.

More than 30 people, including friends who had been out with Jason on the night of the attack, gathered outside the bar and laid flowers by the entrance door in commemoration.

The atmosphere was quiet and almost silent as people reflected on the 'tragic' events of the last two days.

Tears were shed and friends and family hugged each other to give each other support in a 'difficult time'.

After all the flowers had been placed on the ground, a member of the crowd shouted Jason's name and the crowd spontaneously applauded as a mark of respect to the 23-year-old man.

Jason's girlfriend Amber Greenwood, who lives in Blackburn and has been going out with Jason for the last three years, took it upon herself to speak on behalf of those who attended the memorial.

She described her boyfriend as 'the most selfless person'.

She said: "Jason was a really funny guy and did not stop smiling once.

"Jason loved his football and playing Xbox was his life.

"He was the most selfless person, particularly for his family.

"Jason would do anything for them.

"He was just an amazing guy.

"It's unreal how many people are here.

"He was such a well loved person in Darwen.

"It should not have happened."

Jason’s family had previously paid tribute to him on Facebook.

Mark Taylor said: “Goodnight and god bless you Jay Jay Taylor. Love you.”

After everyone had paid their final respects to Jason, people walked down the hill and headed towards the town centre, some still in tears.

Detectives investigating the death have arrested a wanted suspect.

Police had launched a manhunt for Jack Costello following the fatal incident but officers confirmed the 45-year-old handed himself in yesterday afternoon.

Officers also said two other people arrested as part of the investigation have been released on bail until February 13.

They are a 32-year-old man from Darwen arrested on suspicion of murder and a 30-year-old man from Darwen arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log reference 0958 of January 28.

Jason's friends Anthony Rogers and Joshua Aspinall, who both attended the memorial, have now organised a fund raising football match in memory of Jason.

In a post on Facebook, Anthony and Joshua said: "Obviously everybody has seen the horrible mess that happened over the weekend.

"I can’t explain how much this has affected everybody Jay Jay Taylor.

"My heart goes out to all your family and girlfriend.

"I never thought I would lose my best friend like this! sleep tight pal

"You will be missed so much buddy."

The memorial football game will be held at Darwen football club on Sunday February 11. Gates open at 1.30pm and kick off at 3pm.

Donations of £5 will taken on the door and there will be raffles at the venue to raise money.

If you want to donate you can via https://www.gofundme.com/jayjay-taylor-fund-raiser