Man, 44, dies in horror crash outside Lancashire pub as four teenagers arrested

Four teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 44-year-old was killed in a crash near a Lancashire pub. Emergency services were called to Accrington town centre on Wednesday evening following reports that a man had been hit by a car. The victim, named by police as Matthew Weller, was found with serious injuries near the Nag's Head pub at the junction of Blackburn Road and Birch Street, Lancashire Police said. Mr Weller was rushed to hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead a short time later. The force said a Volkswagen Passat failed to stop at the scene and was later found abandoned in Barden Road. Following enquiries, detectives arrested three 17-year-old boys from Accrington and an 18-year-old man from Blackburn on suspicion of murder. All four remain in custody. Detective Superintendent Mark Dickinson, from the force's Major Investigation Team, said: "Our dedicated team of officers are continuing to carry out enquiries in the area so please approach them if you have any information or concerns." He urged witnesses or anyone with mobile phone, CCTV or dashcam footage from the area around Birch Street to contact police. Det Supt Dickinson added: "I am 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. "I know that people in the community are shocked by last night’s events but please rest assured that we are doing all we can to establish what has happened and to find those responsible for this man’s death." Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 1508 of Wednesday, April 22. Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via its website.