A murder investigation has been launched after a 50-year-old man was found dead in his Blackburn flat – as police believe he was ‘specifically targetted’.
David Read was found at a property on a residential road in the Lancashire town at around 11.30am on Wednesday, June 7, and detectives believe his death to be suspicious.
His family is now being supported by specialist officers and a post mortem examination has been ordered.
DCI Mark Haworth-Oates, of Lancashire Police‘s Force Major Investigation Team, said: ‘First and foremost my thoughts are with David’s loved ones at this distressing time. They have asked for their privacy to be respected while they come to terms with this devastating news.
‘We do believe that Mr Read was specifically targeted and we are working hard to identify and arrest those responsible.
David Read, 50, (pictured) was found at a property on a residential road in the Lancashire town at around 11.30am on Wednesday, June 7, and detectives believe his death to be suspicious
Increased patrols will be seen in the coming days as well as a police scene at the property on Leamington Road (pictured)
‘Residents will see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days, please feel free to approach our officers and pass on any information you may have.
‘Someone out there will know the reason why David was attacked in this terrible way and will know the identity of those responsible. I would urge them to come forward to tell us what they know.’
Lancashire Constabulary said that no arrests have yet been made and that numerous lines of enquiry are being explored.
They asked anyone with any information to contact the police – no matter how insignificant they think it might be,
Increased patrols will be seen in the coming days as well as a police scene at the property on Leamington Road.
In a tribute, David’s family said: ‘David was a lovely caring man and had a strong bond with his parents.
‘He was known as the gentle giant and will be sadly missed by his family and friends.’
As part of the enquiries, detectives want to speak with anyone who knew David, particularly if they have had contact with him in recent days or have information that they think may help.
They are also appealing to anyone who saw anything suspicious during Tuesday and Wednesday in the Leamington Road area or has CCTV or dashcam footage covering those dates.
