A CHARGE of unlawful killing against a Rossendale mother has been dropped.

Jennifer Harper, 25, of Lincoln Street, Haslingden, was charged with unlawfully killing Sharon Hampson, 27, of Warwick Street, Haslingden, after an incident early on January 3 outside the Capana takeaway in the town.

The decision follows a meeting of the Crown Prosecution Service and Rossendale CID.

But today Det Sgt Mike Collins said: "We know that four members of Mrs Hampson's family died in similar circumstances going back some years and they had a heart problem.

"The medical examinations have not been completed because the tests that are being carried out will take some months, but at this stage the charges have been dropped and we are not expecting that to change.

"But we are still looking into the matter and we are still appealing for anybody who might have information about the incident to contact the police on 01706 215242."

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