Murder probe after 'hero dad' knocked down and killed outside pub on Christmas Day

A murder probe has been launched after a much-loved dad was knocked down and killed outside a pub on Christmas Day.

Kirk Marsden, 37, suffered multiple injuries and died in hospital in the early hours of Boxing Day (December 26) after being hit by a Toyota Land Cruiser in Blackburn, Lancashire. It came after police were called to reports of an altercation outside The Gate Street Bar and Grill on the corner of Moorgate Street, LancsLive reports.

Two men, aged 58 and 31, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody for questioning. In a tribute Mr Marden's family said: "To our hero, spread your wings far and wide your partner Leanne and your babies love you millions.

"You really were like no other, goodnight. Kirk you were a well-loved son, brother and uncle who will be sorely missed. Rest with your dad now in heaven."

Det Chief Insp Bryony Midgley said: "This incident has led to a man losing his life and first and foremost our thoughts remain with Kirk's loved ones. The investigation team is making progress with their enquiries and have since recovered a Toyota Land Cruiser from a carpark in Brindle Street.

"We know that following the fatal collision, the Land Cruiser turned right onto Livesey Branch Road. I would ask anyone with CCTV, dashcam or doorbell which covered the area between Livesey Branch Road and Brindle Street in between 4.48pm and 5pm on Christmas Day to check their footage to see if they have captured a Toyota Land Cruiser to make contact with my team.

"This is being treated as an isolated incident and we know there was an altercation in The Gate prior to the fatal incident outside. I would ask any witnesses we haven't already spoken to or anybody with mobile phone footage to also make