Four teenagers have been taken into custody on suspicion of murder following the death of a 44-year-old man in a collision near a pub in Lancashire.
Emergency services responded to a call in Accrington town center just after 10pm on Wednesday after reports of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle. The victim, identified as Matthew Weller, was discovered with severe injuries near the Nag’s Head pub at the junction of Blackburn Road and Birch Street, according to Lancashire Police.
Mr. Weller, a resident of Accrington, was swiftly transported to the hospital, where he was tragically pronounced dead shortly afterward. His family is receiving support from trained officers.
Three 17-year-old boys from Accrington and an 18-year-old man from Blackburn have been apprehended on suspicion of murder and are currently being held in custody.
Authorities stated that a Volkswagen Passat involved in the incident failed to stop at the scene and was later found abandoned on Barden Road. The vehicle has been retrieved for further investigation.
Detective Superintendent Mark Dickinson, leading the Major Investigation Team, appealed for any individuals with information or concerns to approach their officers who are actively conducting inquiries in the area.
He urged witnesses or those possessing mobile phone, CCTV, or dashcam footage from the vicinity of Birch Street to come forward to assist the investigation.
Det Supt Dickinson emphasized the importance of information regarding the VW Passat post-incident and requested any CCTV or Ring doorbell footage from the area where the vehicle was abandoned on Barden Road and Lynton Road.
He assured the community that efforts are underway to uncover the circumstances surrounding the man’s death and bring those responsible to justice.
Individuals with information are encouraged to contact the police on 101, quoting log 1508 from Wednesday, April 22. Alternatively, details can be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers via phone or their website.
