Tributes have been pouring in after the man at the centre of a Bacup murder investigation was named locally.
Officers on patrol in Newchurch Road, at around 12.30am on Saturday, November 1, came across paramedics giving CPR to a man on the pavement.
A man, in his 30s, died at the scene, with a Home Office post mortem examination to establish the cause of the man’s death to take place in due course.
Now, the man has been named locally as Luke ‘Duke’ Harden, a Bacup man with a background in modelling.
Tributes from friends and loved ones have been pouring in.
One person said: “Can’t believe the news. You were the life and soul of the party. You had a lot of time for everyone and I had a lot of time for you. Rest in peace Duke.”
Another said: “You are someone that I consider a true friend. Our common interest in music and DJing is what brought us together as friends.
“I don’t really know what to write except that you are a real one brother. Rest In Paradise and save me a seat. Until we meet again, Duke.”
Another said: “Been a tough one to process this morning and still quite hasn’t sunk in. Duke would literally light a room up with that smile of his. Thinking of all his family and close friends at this sad time.”
The Ginger Heart Foundation, a charity which Luke supported by DJing at an event, also posted a tribute. He helped plan an anniversary event in memory of Shaun Taylor, who took his own life in 2021 after a night out with friends.
A spokesperson told the Lancashire Telegraph: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Luke. He kept in touch with us regularly and played a huge part in helping to plan our first anniversary event in memory of Shaun.
“Luke brought excitement, creativity, and a real zest for life to everything he did. He and a wonderful team of friends dedicated their time and energy to making that event truly special for the whole community.
“Luke was the one who put up the balloon net for the balloon drop, a moment that brought so much joy to everyone there, especially us. Alongside his friends, Luke also performed as one of the DJs that evening, all of whom gave their time for free to support the Ginger Heart Foundation and to celebrate Shaun’s life.
“He brought laughter, love, and an unforgettable spirit to the event, and to all of us who had the privilege to know him. Our thoughts and love are with Luke’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
A 26-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman, both from Bacup, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody at this time.
· READ MORE: Flowers laid at the scene at centre of Bacup murder probe
Rossendale MP, Andy MacNae, said: “I’m deeply saddened by the news of a tragic death in Bacup. My thoughts are with the family and all affected.
“Lancashire Police are conducting a murder investigation, and urge anyone with information on the death, which occurred on Newchurch Road shortly after midnight last night, to come forward.
"Two people have been taken into custody on suspicion of murder and this is being treated as an isolated event. However, the police have increased their presence in the area as a precaution.
“Please respect the privacy of those grieving and allow the authorities to do their work. If you do have information, please email forcecontrolroom@lancashire.police.uk or contact 101 and quote log 50 of 1st November 2025.”
A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: "We have a dedicated team of detectives assigned to this case who are carrying out enquiries in the area.
"If you have any information or footage which could assist our enquiries please stop them and say hello.
"Although this is being treated as an isolated incident, you will also see an increased number of uniformed officers and vehicles in the area as a precaution.
"We are particularly keen to hear from any witnesses or anyone with dashcam or doorbell footage covering the area between midnight and 12.35am to come forward. We also want to hear from anyone who was in the Rosemount Working Men’s Club last night (31st Oct).
DCI Bryony Midgley, from the police's force major investigation team, said: “A man has lost his life and first and foremost my thoughts are with his loved ones at this distressing time.
“Work is now ongoing to establish the circumstances which led to his death. Although two people have been arrested, our enquiries are very much ongoing. That is why I am appealing directly to the public if you witnessed or heard anything suspicious or you have any footage which could assist my detectives with their enquiries, to make contact with the police as soon as possible.”
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