Pair charged with murdering 'respected' model

Both Mr Harden's family and the Manchester-based Nemesis Model Agency have paid tribute to him

Two people have been charged with murdering a "respected" professional model in Lancashire.

Luke Harden, 36, died on Newchurch Road in Bacup shortly after midnight on Saturday and his cause of death remains "unascertained", Lancashire Police said.

The force said Bhekisani Matabiswana, 26, of St James Street, Bacup, and Natalie Chadwick, 27, of Hamerton Green in the town, had been charged and were due to appear at Blackburn Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Both Mr Harden's family and the Manchester-based Nemesis Model Agency earlier paid tribute to Mr Harden, describing him as "special to us all, as a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle, boyfriend and friend".

Police said officers had been on patrol in Newchurch Road at 00.35 GMT on Saturday when they came across paramedics trying to resuscitate Mr Harden on the pavement.

"Despite their best efforts, Luke was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene," the force continued.

"A Home Office post mortem examination took place on Sunday and Luke's cause of death is currently unascertained, awaiting further enquiries and examination."