THERE was murder afoot as a town’s businesses threw their doors open to a good old fashioned whodunnit mystery.

The murder mystery event, organised by Oswaldtwistle Civic Arts Centre, saw families turn detectives to find the killer of a fictional professor.

The event was held to promote Oswaldtwistle and attract people into the town centre.

Each participant was given a series of clues, which led to 12 different businesses and ultimately the killer of professor David Macclesbury.

The Lancashire Telegraph sent crime reporter Aban Quaynor to try and solve some of the clues.

Emma Holden, events manager at the civic arts centre, said: “The event has been very successful. People have got into the spirit of it and we were very lucky with the sunny weather.

“The idea was to get people into the high street as well as giving them a really fun, engaging community event which fits in with what we always try to provide here.

“There was about 100 people taking part up and down the high street.You always hope for more than what you get. It has been successful, especially because it’s the first time it’s ever been done in this area.

“I would like to thank all the businesses who took part because without them there wouldn’t have been an event. Some of them have even opened up earlier or later than they normally would. I would also like to thank the actors who took part and the community for getting behind it.”

Cllr Peter Britcliffe, who represents the St Andrew ward on Hyndburn Council, said: “I think this was a wonderful and innovative way of getting people into the town. I am always amazed by the work the Civic Theatre does to promote the town. Anything that promotes Oswaldtwistle is great and I hope to see something similar in the future.”