AN 18-year-old has been charged with the murder of a Darwen man.

Daniel Bamford, 18, of Harvey Lane, Golborne, is accused of murder and wounding with intent.

He was appearing at Preston Crown Court as the Journal went to press yesterday, Wednesday.

Police have confirmed the name of the deceased as Michael Keen, 42, of Darwen. A post-mortem examination revealed he died from multiple stab wounds.

Officers were called by the ambulance service to Hazel Avenue around 4.15pm on Thursday following reports a man and woman had been stabbed.

Mr Keen, 42, was pronounced dead at the scene having suffered a number of injuries.

A woman, also 42, was wounded and taken by ambulance to the Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

She has since been released after receiving treatment.

Three men from Liverpool aged 15, 16 and 43 were arrested on suspicion of murder at a nearby address on Frances Street. They have since been released without any charges.

Bamford and a further two men, aged 17 and 33, were arrested in Liverpool on Friday afternoon.

The 17 and 33-year-olds were questioned on suspicion of assisting an offender and being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

A further three men aged 19, 23 and 44 were arrested later that day in St Helens on suspicion of assisting an offender.

The five men have all been bailed until October 25.

Detective Supt Paul Withers, from the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “A man has sadly lost his life and my thoughts remain with Mr Keen’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“While we have made a number of arrests and since charged a man, we would continue encouraging people to come forward and help with our enquiries."

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101, quoting incident reference 917 of August 25, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or crimestoppers.org.