He has been described as the ‘life and soul of the party’
Luke Harden, who died in Bacup on Saturday morning(Image: Facebook)
A man at the centre of a murder investigation in east Lancashire has been named locally.
Emergency services attended Newchurch Road, in Bacup, Rossendale, in the early hours of Saturday morning (November 1).
Paramedics tried to resuscitate a man in the street at 12.35am, but he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
He has since been named locally as Luke Harden. Tributes have poured in for Luke following the tragedy, Lancs Live reports.
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Luke, who was known to friends as ‘Duke’, was described as the ‘life and soul of the party’ in a series of heartbreaking posts.
Marco Darko Smith wrote: “Dear my friend Luke, the most handsome lad on Facebook. F***er! I heard news this morning that I wish wasn’t real. You don’t make many new friends as you get older, so the ones you do really stand out.
“You are someone that I consider a true friend. Our common interest in music and DJing is what brought us together as friends.
“I don’t chat to may people on the phone aside from you – gonna miss our chats where we’d put the world to rights and chat s*** about music and your headphones that your dog chewed through I don’t really know what to write except that you are a real one brother. Rest In Paradise and save me a seat. Until we meet again Duke.”
Nathan Holland posted: “Can’t believe the news. You was the life and soul of the party. You had a lot of time for everyone and I had a lot of time for you. Rest in peace Duke xx”
Ady Race said: “Been a tough one to process this morning and still quite hasn’t sunk in. First met Duke many many years ago growing up having the same love for the same music, Would literally light a room up with that smile of his. Thinking of all his family and close friends at this sad sad time. Rest in peace Luke.”
Rumer Lauren Morley wrote: “Very sad news in the valley today, such a lovely lad. Rest in peace Duke. Sending love to all Luke Harden’s family and friends.
Gemma Louise said: “Such a sad day in the valley today. RIP Luke one of the nicest guys you would ever meet. Thoughts go out to his loved ones and friends.”
The Ginger Heart Foundation penned: “We are all terribly sad to hear of the passing of Luke, our hearts go out to his friends and family. Such a tragic loss gone too soon. Your energy, music and sense of humour brought so much to our first ever event. We will remember you always.”
A 26-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman, both from Bacup, were arrested on suspicion of Luke’s murder. They remain in custody for questioning.
A cordon was in place on Newchurch Road for several hours yesterday morning following the incident. The cordon, between Clough Street and Olive Street, was later lifted by officers.
Lancashire Constabulary detectives say their thoughts are with the man’s loved ones who are being supported by specially trained officers at this time. A Home Office post mortem examination to establish the cause of the man’s death will take place in due course.
The force says it has a dedicated team of detectives assigned to the case who are carrying out enquiries in the area. Although this is being treated as an ‘isolated incident’, there will be an increased number of uniformed officers and vehicles in the area ‘as a precaution’.
Police are particularly keen to hear from any witnesses or anyone with dashcam or doorbell footage covering the area between midnight and 12.35am to come forward. They also want to hear from anyone who was in the Rosemount Working Men’s Club on Friday night (October 31).
DCI Bryony Midgley, form the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “A man has lost his life and first and foremost my thoughts are with his loved ones at this distressing time. Work is now ongoing to establish the circumstances which led to his death.
“Although two people have been arrested, our enquiries are very much ongoing. That is why I am appealing directly to the public if you witnessed or heard anything suspicious or you have any footage which could assist my detectives with their enquiries, to make contact with the police as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information or footage is asked to email forcecontrolroom@lancashire.police.uk or contact 101 and quote log 50 of November 1, 2025.