Tributes paid to man at centre of Accrington murder probe

Matthew Weller, 44, died after a crash with a VW Passat at the junction of Blackburn Road and Birch Street in Accrington town centre on the evening of Wednesday April 22.

A murder investigation was launched and Mr Weller’s family have now paid tribute to him.

A statement from the family said: “Matt was a much-loved son, brother, and uncle. He was a music lover and left an impression on those that knew him.

“Rest peacefully Matt, you will be missed.”

Police on the scene in Accrington town centre (Image: Phil Taylor)

Lancashire Police say the VW Passat failed to stop at the scene and was later found abandoned on Barden Road.

They say they were called by the ambulance service to report the incident shortly after 10pm on Wednesday.

Despite the best efforts of medical staff, Mr Weller died in hospital.

Officers say the VW Passat was recovered for examination while five men have been arrested on suspicion of murder, and remain in custody.

A large area was taped off (Image: Phil Taylor)

A police scene remained in place in Accrington town centre for much of the following day with a large area cordoned off as officers went about their work.

The cordon was still in place as of Thursday in the area around the junction of Blackburn Road and Birch Street.

Officers are continuing to appeal to the public for anyone who may know anything about the incident to come forward.

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: “Our enquiries are very much ongoing, and we are continuing to ask anyone with information or footage, including mobile phone footage, or doorbell and dashcam footage that could assist our enquiries to please get in touch.

“We are also still keen to hear from anyone who saw the VW Passat following the incident or who may have any CCTV or Ring doorbell footage from the area around Barden Road and Lynton Road where it was found abandoned.

“We are appealing directly to anyone with information to do the right thing and get in touch on 101 quoting log 1508 of  April 22.”