Modelling agency's tribute to Luke Harden killed in Bacup

Officers on patrol came across paramedics giving CPR to Luke Harden on the pavement, on Newchurch Road, at around 12.35am.

Despite their best efforts, Luke, who was well-known locally and had a career in modelling, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lancashire Police launched a murder investigation, and a 26-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman from Bacup were both arrested on suspicion of murder.

Nemesis Model Agency is the latest organisation to pay tribute to Luke, a former pupil at Fearns High School, Stacksteads.

He had been a model with Nemesis for 12 years.

The statement said: “It’s with great sadness that we must announce the untimely death of one of our favourite models, Luke Harden.

“Luke had been a model with Nemesis since 2013, and he was loved by everyone who met him and respected by everyone who worked with him.

“Details of the funeral arrangements to follow. If you are experiencing upset or any difficulties as a result of this post, you are invited to call or visit the agency offices.”

A tribute has been issued by Lancashire Police on behalf of the family, which described Luke's "beautiful face" and thanked the "outpouring of love" from his community.

The family statement said: “There are no words to describe how devastated we all are.

"We wish our Luke could see the outpouring of love from everyone who knows him.

"He is and will always be special to us all, as a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle, boyfriend and friend.

"You will be forever in our hearts and minds, and we are comforted knowing we can shut our eyes and your beautiful face will always be smiling back at us.

"Rest in peace, our gorgeous Luke, until we meet again."

A post-mortem examination took place on Sunday morning to establish the cause of Luke's death.

DCI Bryony Midgley, of Lancashire Police's major investigations team, said: “A man has lost his life and first and foremost my thoughts remain with Luke’s loved ones at this extremely distressing time.

“I have a dedicated team of officers working around the clock to establish the exact circumstances that led to Luke's death.

“I am aware of speculation surrounding this case, and while I appreciate that people have legitimate concerns, I would like to remind everyone that a grieving family is looking to the police for answers, and the spread of misinformation helps nobody.

"Firstly, the male suspect in this case is not an asylum seeker, as has been speculated about online.

"Secondly, I would ask that people do not guess about the cause of Luke's death and that it be left to medical experts. Speculation of this nature causes further distress to Luke’s loved ones.

“Finally, I would like to thank the people of Bacup for the information and footage they have provided so far.

"However, we are still asking for anyone who has information that would help our investigation to come forward.

"We are particularly keen to hear from any witnesses or anyone with dashcam or doorbell footage covering the area between 11.45pm and 12.35am to come forward.

"We also want to hear from anyone who was in the Rosemount Working Men’s Club on Friday night."

Before the force confirmed Luke's identity, he was named locally on social media as tributes from the community poured in.

The Ginger Heart Foundation, a charity that 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.

"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.”

Rossendale Councillor Andrew Walmsley said: “I am saddened to hear of the events in our community and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

"I am encouraging the community to support police in their work.”

Rossendale and Darwen 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, to come forward.”