Three men charged with murder after Blackburn man hit by car on Christmas Day

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after Kirk Marsden, 37, was hit by a car after an argument in a bar on Christmas Day.
Kirk Marsden was hit by a car outside The Gate Street Bar and Grill on Christmas Day. Credit: Lancashire Police

Three men have been charged with murder after a man was hit by a car on Christmas day.

Kirk Marsden, 37, suffered serious injuries after being hit by a Toyota Land Cruiser outside The Gate Street Bar and Grill.

He was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital where he died on Boxing Day.

Mr Marsden was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital following the incident and died a day later on Boxing Day.

James Ward, 26, of no fixed address, Thomas Ward, 58, of no fixed address, and Michael O’Neill, 35, of New Welling Street, Blackburn, remain in police custody and are expected to appear at Preston Magistrates Court on Monday, 30 December.

DCI Bryony Midgley, of our Force Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with Kirk’s family and loved ones at this difficult time, and they will continue to be supported by specially trained officers.

“While three men have been charged with murder, the investigation continues, and we are still appealing for witnesses to come forward.

"This incident started with an altercation in The Gate. We can see from the CCTV that there are a number of witnesses who we have not yet spoken to. If this is you, I ask that you please make contact with my team.”

Flowers left at the scene in tribute to Mr Marsden.

“We have recovered a Toyota Land Cruiser that was involved in the incident from a carpark on Brindle Street. It had travelled from Moorgate St and down Livesey Branch Road following the fatal collision.

“I am continuing to ask for anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam which covers these areas between 4.30pm and 5pm on Christmas Day to check their footage. If you have captured a Toyota Land Cruiser, please contact us."

Any witnesses, or anyone with information is being urged to contact 101, quoting log 0747 of 27 December 2024, or upload it directly to our Major Incident Portal here