The peace and joy of Christmas Day was shattered in the town of Blackburn when a heated pub argument escalated into a fatal car hit incident. In a tragic turn of events, 37-year-old Kirk Marsden lost his life after being struck by a vehicle outside the Gate Street Bar and Grill. As the police investigation into the suspected murder intensifies, a third arrest has now been made.
Altercation Turns Deadly
The grim incident began to unfold around 4:50 pm on December 25th, when Lancashire police received reports of a disturbance at the popular local pub. It appears an argument had broken out inside the venue, spilling out into the street with devastating consequences.
According to witnesses, Marsden was hit by a Toyota Land Cruiser outside the bar shortly after the confrontation. He was rushed to Royal Preston Hospital with multiple serious injuries but tragically succumbed to his wounds in the early hours of Boxing Day. A family’s Christmas celebration turned to unimaginable grief in a matter of hours.
Third Arrest in Murder Investigation
As detectives piece together the events of that fateful evening, a 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday. He joins two other suspects currently in custody: a 58-year-old man of no fixed address and a 31-year-old man from Blackburn. The 58-year-old has been released on conditional bail, while the younger suspect remains in police custody.
“Our thoughts continue to be with Kirk’s family and loved ones at this extremely sad and distressing time,” said DCI Bryony Midgley from Lancashire police’s major investigation team. “The family are being supported by specially trained officers and remain at the forefront of our minds.”
Family Mourns “Hero” Kirk
As investigators search for answers, Marsden’s devastated family is left to mourn a life cut tragically short. In a heart-wrenching tribute, they described the 37-year-old as their “hero.”
“To our hero, spread your wings far and wide. Your partner Leanne and your babies love you millions. You really were like no other, goodnight x. Kirk you were a well-loved son, brother and uncle who will be sorely missed. Rest with your dad now in heaven x.”
– Marsden family statement
Witnesses Sought as Investigation Continues
Detectives are now urgently appealing for witnesses and CCTV footage to help establish the precise sequence of events that led to Marsden’s death. They are particularly interested in any dashcam video or doorbell camera recordings from Livesey Branch Road and Brindle Street between 4:30 pm and 5:00 pm that may have captured the Toyota Land Cruiser’s movements.
“We know there was an altercation in the Gate prior to the fatal incident outside, which is linked,” DCI Midgley explained. “I would ask any witnesses we haven’t already spoken to or anybody with mobile phone footage to also make contact with my team.”
As the investigation advances and the community reels from the shock, one family faces the unimaginable pain of a life taken too soon in the most horrific of circumstances. While three suspects are now in custody, the hard work for detectives is only beginning as they attempt to unravel this Christmas Day tragedy and bring those responsible to justice.
Anyone with information or footage related to the incident is urged to call 101, quoting log 747, or contact the police via their website. In this season of peace and goodwill, a family and a community are left to ask how such a senseless act of violence could shatter the most joyous of days. As the investigation forges ahead, Kirk Marsden’s memory will undoubtedly fuel the pursuit of justice and the determination to find answers amidst unfathomable grief.
