Man charged with murder following death of Mandy Houghton in Nelson

A man has been charged with murder following the death of 58-year-old Mandy Houghton from Nelson.

Alan Fare, 72, of Victory Close, Nelson, was charged following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service and is due to appear at Preston Magistrates' Court this morning (June 5).

Police were called at around 11am on Wednesday, June 3, to a separate address on Victory Close, Nelson, where Ms Houghton was found unresponsive with head injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post mortem examination showed she died as a result of head injuries.

Mandy Houghton’s family paid tribute to her: “Mandy was a much-loved Mum, sister and grandma. She was a happy soul that wouldn't hurt a fly. She has been taken from us too soon and is going to be deeply missed.”

Det Ch Insp Gareth Willis, from Lancashire Police's Force Major Investigation Team, said: "Our thoughts remain with Ms Houghton's family and friends at this awful time. They continue to be supported by specially-trained officers.

"A man has now been charged but our investigation is very much ongoing and we continue to ask anybody with information about her death to get in touch."

Anybody with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log number 411 of June 3rd.

Alternatively independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.