Man charged with murder of Accrington pensioner
The 79-year-old man was found with serious head injuries
A MAN has been charged with the murder of pensioner Bill Howard in Accrington.
Police were called just before 2pm on August 28 to St James Street in the town following reports of a concern for welfare.
Emergency services attended and found Mr Howard, 79, with serious head injuries. He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
A post-mortem examination established the cause of death to be fatal head and chest injuries.
After a number of enquiries, three men - aged 54, 56 and 58 and from Accrington - were arrested on suspicion of murder.
Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service John Swannack, 58, of St Leger Court, Accrington, was charged last night with murder and is due to appear before Blackburn Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, Sept 2nd)
The 56-year-old remains in custody and the 54-year-old has been released under investigation.
Detectives are continuing to appeal for witnesses and anyone who saw Mr Howard or anything suspicious in the St James Street area between 3pm on August 24 and 2pm on August 28 to get in contact with the police.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting log 0785 of August 28, 2021, or report it online via https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/.
Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.