Luke Harden died at the scene despite the best efforts of paramedics
Luke Harden, who died in Bacup on November 1(Image: Lancashire Constabulary)
Two people have been charged with the murder of a 37-year-old man in Bacup, police have confirmed. Officers patrolling Newchurch Road at 12.35am on Saturday (November 1) found paramedics attempting to resuscitate Luke Harden on the pavement.
Despite their best efforts, Luke was pronounced dead at the scene. This evening, November 4, it has been confirmed two people have been charged with murder. Bhekisani Matabiswana, 26, of St James Street, Bacup, and Natalie Chadwick, 27, of Hamerton Green, Bacup, are due to appear at Blackburn Magistrates Court tomorrow morning (November 5), reports Lancs Live.
A Home Office post mortem examination took place on Sunday.
Following his death, Luke’s family paid tribute to a “special son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle, boyfriend and friend.”
They wrote: “There are no words to describe how devastated we all are. We wish our Luke could see the outpouring of love from everyone who knows him. He is and will always be special to us all, as a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle, boyfriend and friend.
“You will be forever in our hearts and minds, and we are comforted knowing we can shut our eyes and your beautiful face will always be smiling back at us. Rest in peace, our gorgeous Luke, until we will meet again.”
Mr Harden, who was known to friends as “Duke”, was described as the “life and soul of the party” in a series of heartbreaking social media posts.
Marco Darko Smith wrote: “Dear my friend Luke, the most handsome lad on Facebook. I heard news this morning that I wish it 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 many 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 were 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.”
Lancashire Constabulary continue to appeal for further information and witnesses, particularly those with dashcam or doorbell footage covering the area between 11.45pm and 12.35am.
Officers would also like to speak to anyone who was in the Rosemount Working Men’s Club on Friday night.
Anyone who believes they can help the investigation is asked to email forcecontrolroom@lancashire.police.uk or contact 101 and quote log 50 of 1st November 2025.