Matthew Weller, 44, was hit by a car near the Nag’s Head pub at the junction of Blackburn Road and Birch Street in Accrington, Lancashire, and died in hospital – four teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder
Four teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a 44-year-old man in a crash near a pub. Emergency services rushed to Accrington town centre in Lancashire shortly after 10pm on Wednesday after reports that a man had been struck by a vehicle.
The victim, identified by police as Matthew Weller, was discovered with severe injuries close to the Nag’s Head pub at the junction of Blackburn Road and Birch Street, Lancashire Police confirmed. Mr Weller, from Accrington, was taken to hospital but was tragically declared dead shortly afterwards. Specially trained officers are providing support to his family.
Three 17-year-old boys from Accrington and an 18-year-old man from Blackburn have been detained on suspicion of murder. All four remain in police custody.
Officers said a Volkswagen Passat fled the scene and was subsequently discovered abandoned on Barden Road. It has now been seized for forensic examination, reports LancashireLive.
Detective Superintendent Mark Dickinson, from the force’s Major Investigation Team, said: “Our dedicated team of officers are continuing to carry out enquiries in the area so please approach them if you have any information or concerns.”
He appealed for witnesses or anyone with mobile phone, CCTV or dashcam footage from around Birch Street to get in touch with police. Det Supt Dickinson continued: “I am also still keen to hear from anyone who saw the VW Passat following the incident or who may have any CCTV or Ring doorbell footage from the area around Barden Road and Lynton Road where it was found abandoned.
“I know that people in the community are shocked by last night’s events but please rest assured that we are doing all we can to establish what has happened and to find those responsible for this man’s death.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101, quoting log 1508 of Wednesday, 22 April. Details can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via its website at crimestoppers.org.