Murder investigation underway in Blackpool, after man who was assaulted dies

Lancashire Police have launched an investigation and are appealing for information after a man died following an assault.

Police were called on the evening of September 14th by staff from Blackpool Victoria Hospital to report a patient had on September 7th presented at A&E with injuries after being assaulted.

The man was in a critical condition in hospital but very sadly died earlier today (Tuesday, September 17th).

He can be named as Rob Kerr, 42.

Police believe Mr Kerr was assaulted at his home address on Coronation Street in Blackpool late on Sunday, September 1st or in the early hours of Monday, September 2nd and they are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

A Home Office postmortem examination will be carried out to try and establish the cause of death.

Det Chief Insp Lee Wilson, of our Force Major Investigation Team, said: “A man has very sadly died, and my thoughts are with his loved ones at this time. While our enquiries are ongoing, we believe Mr Kerr’s injuries were a result of him being assaulted at his home earlier this month.

“I would ask that anyone who has any information which could assist us in piecing together what has happened to come forward and speak to us. You can either call us direct or you can speak to Crimestoppers in confidence but please contact us. Even if you think the information, you have is insignificant it could be the key to us understanding what has happened.

“In particular I am keen to speak to those in the community who live in and around Coronation Street and those who frequent or use the services of the Salvation Army.”

Four men aged 21, 27, 29 and 40 from Blackpool were arrested on suspicion of assault but following Mr Kerr’s death have now been arrested on suspicion of murder. They are currently in custody. Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.