A TEENAGER has been charged with the murder of a Slovakian national.

Drew Wilkinson is accused of causing the death of 32-year-old Marek Krivak, who suffered a serious head injury during an attack in Burnley town centre.

Mr Krivak was found by police in a critical condition in Hargreaves Street at around 7am on Saturday, October 27.

He was taken to Royal Preston Hospital but died from his injuries three days later.

Blackburn magistrates had heard that doctors had waited for Mr Krivak’s brother to travel over from Slovakia and say a final goodbye before turning off his life support machine.

Lancashire Telegraph:

A post mortem concluded that Mr Krivak died as a result of head injuries.

Wilkinson, of Straight Mile Court, Burnley, had initially been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, with Mr Krivak still being alive at that point.

But that charge has now been upgraded to murder.

He is also charged with possessing of an offensive weapon, namely a knuckle duster, in Hargreaves Street, Burnley.

The 18-year-old will appear in the dock at Blackburn Magistrates Court on Friday morning.

Two other men, aged 25 and 19, who were arrested on suspicion of assault, in the aftermath of the attack were later released without charge.

Detective Inspector Martin Melvin said: "If you have any information which could help with our investigation and haven’t already spoken to us, please get in touch.

"Our thoughts are with Mr Krivak's family at this sad time."

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting log number 363 of October 27.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111 or online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org