Zimbabwean man and British girl charged with homicide after 37-year-old mannequin was discovered dying on the street
Two people have been charged with murder and will appear in court today after a 37-year-old man was found dead in the street.
Model Luke Harden was discovered by emergency services on Newchurch Road in Bacup, Lancashire at 12.35am on Saturday.
They attempted to perform CPR on him as he lay on the pavement, but he died at the scene.
Zimbabwean national Bhekisani Matabiswana, 26 – known locally as Nick – and 27-year-old British woman Natalie Chadwick are accused of Harden’s murder and are due in Blackburn Magistrates Court this morning.
Lancashire Police said their thoughts are with Mr Harden’s family, who are being supported by specially trained officers.
His family have been updated on the latest developments into the police investigation.
In a tribute, 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.’
Model Luke Harden (pictured) was discovered by emergency services on Newchurch Road in Bacup, Lancashire at 12.35am on Saturday
Before Harden was officially named, tributes also poured in on social media from the community.
One said: ‘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.’
Another said: ‘Been a tough one to process this morning and still quite hasn’t sunk in. Duke would literally light a room up with that smile of his. Thinking of all his family and close friends at this sad time.’
The charity Harden supported through DJing, The Ginger Heart Foundation also paid their respects.
He helped plan an anniversary event in memory of Shaun Taylor, who took his own life in 2021 after a night out with friends.
Tributes poured in from the community for the 37-year-old model, describing him as someone who would ‘light up the room’ with his smile
A spokesperson said: ‘We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Luke. He kept in touch with us regularly and played a huge part in helping to plan our first anniversary event in memory of Shaun.
‘Luke brought excitement, creativity, and a real zest for life to everything he did. He and a wonderful team of friends dedicated their time and energy to making that event truly special for the whole community.
The charity said he brought ‘laughter, love and an unforgettable spirit to the event.’
Police are continuing to appeal to members of the public for more information to help with their investigation.
They are asking people with dashcam or doorbell footage covering the area between 11:45pm to 12:35am on Saturday to come forward.
Police also want to speak with anyone from the Rosemount Working Men’s Club on Friday night.
