Three people have been named and charged with the murder of Blackpool resident with John Hutchinson (pictured).
This comes after police were called around 6.50 p.m. on Easter Monday 10th April to a report of an aggravated burglary at an address in Scorton Avenue. It was reported three men had entered a flat and assaulted a man before making off from the scene.
Police attended the incident and spoke with the 44-year-old victim, John Hutchinson. Later that day, at around 9.10 pm, Police were called by the Ambulance Service to the same address with Mr Hutchinson having suffered a suspected cardiac arrest. He was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital for treatment, but sadly later died. Following a Home Office post-mortem, it was established he had died from internal injuries after the earlier assault. His next of kin have been informed.
At the time six people were arrested in connection with the investigation. Subsequently, three people have been charged with murder. They are:
- Daniel Cunningham, 33, of Tarnbrook Drive in Blackpool
- Lee Clarke, 33, of Greenall Court in Prescot
- Darren McCabe, 47, of Warwick Road in Blackpool
The other three people arrested – a 34-year-old man from Blackpool, a 36-year-old man from Liverpool and a 34-year-old woman from Blackpool – have been released under investigation.
Meanwhile, following a warrant at an address in Merseyside this morning (Saturday 16th April) a seventh person has been arrested. The 33-year-old man, from Netherton, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Detectives are continuing to urge anyone with information about the attack to come forward, and are particularly interested in a grey Ford Fiesta car, registration SG18 BGU.
Police believe this vehicle travelled to Blackpool from the Merseyside area on Monday. It is now in possession of police but if you saw this vehicle on April 10, please come forward.
Detectives are continuing to urge anyone with information about the attack to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fallows, of Lancashire Police’s Force Major Investigation Team, said: ‘Our thoughts are still very much with Mr Hutchinson’s family at this very sad and difficult time. We are leaving no stone unturned as we establish exactly what happened and who is responsible. As part of our investigation six people have been arrested and of those three have now been charged. However we are still very keen to speak to anyone with information or any witnesses who can assist our enquiries.’
Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log 1207 of April 10. Alternatively, you can report a crime via independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
