On Christmas Day, three men have been charged with the murder of Kirk Marsden, a father who was tragically struck by a car outside a pub.

The incident occurred outside The Gate Street Bar and Grill in Blackburn, where the 37-year-old Marsden suffered severe injuries from being hit by a Toyota Land Cruiser. He was transported to the Royal Preston Hospital, but sadly passed away on Boxing Day.

Following consultations with the Crown Prosecution Service, Lancashire Constabulary announced today that they have charged:

• James Ward, 26, of no fixed address
• Thomas Ward, 58, of no fixed address
• Michael O’Neill, 35, of New Welling Street, Blackburn

All three have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Preston Magistrates Court today, 30^th December.

DCI Bryony Midgley from the Force Major Investigation Team expressed condolences to Kirk’s family and affirmed ongoing support from specially trained officers during this challenging time.

While three men are now charged with murder, the investigation remains active and the police are still seeking witnesses. The altercation leading up to the incident reportedly began in The Gate and CCTV footage suggests there are several witnesses who have not yet come forward.

The police have recovered the Toyota Land Cruiser involved in the incident, which was found in a car park on Brindle Street. It had travelled from Moorgate St down Livesey Branch Road following the collision.

Authorities are requesting anyone with CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage from the area between 4:30 PM and 5 PM on Christmas Day to review their recordings. If anyone has captured the Toyota Land Cruiser, they are encouraged to make contact with the investigation team.

Anyone with information is urged to contact 101, quoting log 0747 of 27^th December 2024, or to upload information directly to the Major Incident Portal.