Not guilty - jury reach verdict on three men accused of Christmas Day murder of Blackburn man Kirk Marsden

Kirk Marsden, 37, was struck by a Toyota Land Cruiser outside The Gate Street Bar and Grill on the corner of Moorgate Street at around 4.50pm on Christmas Day last year following an altercation.

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He suffered multiple serious injuries and was taken to Royal Preston Hospital in the early hours of Boxing Day where he sadly died from his injuries.

Michael O'Neill, 35, of New Wellington Street, Blackburn, James Ward, 26, of no fixed address, and Thomas Ward, 58, of no fixed address were later charged with his murder.

However, after much deliberations the jury has found both Michael O'Neill and Thomas Ward not guilty of murder, and not guilty of manslaughter.

James Ward has also been found not guilty of murder, but the jury is still yet to reach a verdict on his manslaughter charge.

Mr Marsden's family said he was "a well-loved son, brother and uncle who will be sorely missed".