A murder investigation is under way after the death of 36-year-old Luke Harden in the early hours of Saturday morning in Bacup. His family say they are “devastated” and described him as a loving son, brother, and friend.
Lancashire Police confirmed that officers on patrol found paramedics performing CPR on Luke on Newchurch Road at around 12.35am on Saturday 1 November. He was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.
Luke, who was known locally and had a background in modelling, was described by family as someone who would be “forever in our hearts and minds”.
Two people from Bacup, a man aged 26 and a woman aged 27, were arrested on suspicion of murder. Police were granted more time to question both suspects.
In a statement issued through Lancashire Police, Luke’s family said:
“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.”
They added:
“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.”
A post-mortem was conducted on Sunday to determine the cause of death.
Detective Chief Inspector Bryony Midgley, from the force’s major investigations team, acknowledged the speculation surrounding the case. She clarified:
“The male suspect in this case is not an asylum seeker, as has been speculated about online. I would also ask that people do not guess about the cause of Luke’s death and leave that to the medical experts.”
DCI Midgley thanked the local community for their help so far and appealed for further information. Police are especially interested in hearing from anyone who may have dashcam or doorbell footage from between 11.45pm and 12.35am on Friday night into Saturday morning, or who was at the Rosemount Working Men’s Club.
Tributes have continued to pour in across social media, with many referring to Luke by his nickname ‘Duke’. Friends described him as the “life and soul of the party” and “someone who would light up a room with his smile”.
One said: “You are a real one, brother. Rest in paradise and save me a seat.”
Luke had also supported community causes, including the Ginger Heart Foundation. He volunteered as a DJ at a memorial event for Shaun Taylor, a young man who died by suicide in 2021. The charity said he played a “huge part” in planning the event and brought “excitement, creativity and a real zest for life”.
A spokesperson for the foundation added:
“Luke brought laughter, love and an unforgettable spirit to the event and to all of us who had the privilege to know him.”
Rossendale MP Andy MacNae expressed his condolences, calling the incident “a tragic death” and urging anyone with information to contact Lancashire Police.
“This is being treated as an isolated event,” he said, “but a visible police presence has been increased in the area as a precaution.”
Members of the public can report information by calling 101 quoting log number 50 of 1 November 2025, or by emailing forcecontrolroom@lancashire.police.uk
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