Woman is arrested in connection with Blackpool murder investigation

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a man in Blackpool.
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Resort detectives are investigating the death of Matthew Pearson following an assault last month.

Mr Pearson, 42, originally from Garstang, died at Royal Preston Hospital on Sunday, August 2.

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Blackpool Police announced yesterday that a 29-year-old woman from Fleetwood has been arrested on suspicion of his murder. She had originally been arrested on suspicion of assault and bailed.

Mr Pearson, 42, originally from Garstang, died following an assaultMr Pearson, 42, originally from Garstang, died following an assault
Mr Pearson, 42, originally from Garstang, died following an assault

She will be interviewed by detectives during the course of the day.

A man who was arrested and charged with assault will now face a charge of murder.

Andrew Claydon 44, of Lytham Road, Blackpool, had already been charged with Grievous Bodily Harm and appeared at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court on July 22.

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Following enquiries police have established that Mr Pearson was subjected to an assault on Lytham Road in Blackpool, close to the junction with Bournemouth Road at around 6:45pm on Saturday, July 18.

He was knocked unconscious during the attack, but after regaining consciousness walked to a nearby address.

After becoming unwell, he was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital with serious head injuries, and later transferred to Royal Preston Hospital where he died. A post mortem identified that Mr Pearson died of a head injury.

Detectives are piecing together Matthew’s last movements on the day he was assaulted and the days leading up to him being taken to hospital.

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Det Insp Abi Finch-Hall, of Blackpool Police, said: “My thoughts remain with Matthew’s loved ones at this time. They are being supported by specially trained officers.

“I would continue to appeal to anyone who saw Matthew on Saturday, July 18th or who has any information about what happened to him, to come forward and speak to us as it could assist in our investigation.”

Matthew’s family have paid the following tribute to him:

“Matthew was a much-loved son, brother, dad and friend to many. He was loving, kind and intelligent always with a book in his hand as he loved to read.

“We are completely heartbroken by his death and our lives without him will never be the same again.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log number 1310 of July 18 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.