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The family of a man at the centre of a murder investigation have paid an emotional tribute to him. An investigation is ongoing into the death of 36-year-old Luke Harden with police issuing a statement regarding 'speculation'. Emergency services attended Newchurch Road , in Bacup, Rossendale, in the early hours of Saturday morning (November 1). Police saw paramedics giving him CPR on the pavement. Despite their best efforts Luke was pronounced dead at the scene. The family are being supported by specially trained officers, Lancashire Police said. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE In an emotional tribute, his 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. "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.” A Home Office post mortem examination to establish the cause of Luke’s death is to take place on Sunday (November 2). Luke, who was known to friends as 'Duke', was described as the 'life and soul of the party' in a series of heartbreaking posts on social media. Following enquiries, a 26-year-old man from Bacup and a 27-year-old woman from Bacup were arrested on suspicion of murder. Both suspects remain in custody. DCI Bryony Midgley, form the Lancashire Police Force Major Investigation Team, said: “A man has lost his life and first and foremost my thoughts remain with Luke’s loved ones at this extremely distressing time. I have a dedicated team of officers working around the clock to establish the exact circumstances which led to Luke's death. “I am aware of speculation surrounding this case and while I appreciate that people have legitimate concerns, I would like to remind everyone that there is a grieving family looking to the police for answers and the spread of misinformation helps nobody. "Firstly, the male suspect in this case is not an asylum seeker, as has been speculated about online. Secondly, I would ask that people do not guess about the cause of Luke's death and for it to be left to medical experts. Speculation of this nature causes further distress to Luke’s loved ones. “Finally, I would like to thank the people of Bacup for the information and footage they have provided so far. However, we are still asking for anyone who has information that would help our investigation to come forward. "We are particularly keen to hear from any witnesses or anyone with dashcam or doorbell footage covering the area between 11.45pm and 12.35am to come forward. We also want to hear from anyone who was in the Rosemount Working Men’s Club on Friday night.” Email forcecontrolroom@lancashire.police.uk or contact 101 and quote log 50 of 1st November 2025. --- Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it. That's why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable , highlighting the best of what we do - bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don't miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News. And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North. You can also sign up for that here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street . If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it. And finally, if there is a story you think our journalists should be looking into, we want to hear from you. Email us on newsdesk@men-news.co.uk or give us a ring on 0161 211 2920.
