Man charged with murder of Ben Smith in Bamber Bridge

A man has been charged in connection with the death of 20-year-old man following a collision in Bamber Bridge.
Ben Smith died on ThursdayBen Smith died on Thursday
Ben Smith died on Thursday

Samuel Bretherton, 25, of Mellor Road, Leyland has been charged with the murder of Ben Smith from Walton-le-Dale, after the incident which happened shortly before 1pm on Thursday February 11 on Station Road.

He was due to appear before Preston Magistrates’ Court today (Saturday, February 13).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ben (pictured) was on an e-scooter when he was hit by a Ford Transit van.

Paying tribute to him, a family statement said: “Ben was a much loved son, brother, father, partner, grandson and friend to many. He has been taken from all of us in such tragic circumstances and we would urge anyone with any information to come forward to help the police.”

The officer leading the investigation, Det Ch Insp Zoe Russo from Lancashire’s Force Major Investigation Team (FMIT) added: “I would like to thank the public for their support and the witnesses that have already come forward to tell us about what they saw.

“I am asking anyone who saw what happened but hasn’t yet made contact to speak to us.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We know that this shocking incident has caused some concern within the local community but as legal proceedings are now active and out of respect for Ben’s bereaved family and friends, I would ask people not to speculate on social media. If you know something, please speak to us instead.”

A second man, arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in connection with a wing mirror being struck from the Transit van just prior to the collision, has now been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information about what happened is asked to contact us as soon as possible on 101 quoting log 0545 of February 11th.

Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org