Nelson: Two more arrests following murder of Michael Brierley

The males, aged 17 and 43 and both from Nelson, were arrested on November 12 on suspicion of murder. They were interviewed and have now been released under investigation.

Lancashire Police were called shortly before 1pm on November 8 to a home in Berkeley Close with a man - later identified as 48-year-old Michael James Brierley - found dead.

It is believed that he had been the victim of a sustained assault and suffered multiple serious, chest, leg, arm and head injuries. Work continues to establish the exact cause of death.

On Friday, following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Naeem Mustafa, of St Paul’s Road, Nelson, was charged with murder and wounding, which relates to a separate female victim.

The 45-year-old appeared at magistrates’ court on Saturday and was remanded to appear at Preston Crown Court today.

Jodie Clough, 33, of Brown Street West, Colne, has been charged with assisting an offender and also appeared at court on Saturday. She has been released on court bail.

A 41-year-old man from Brierfield arrested on suspicion of murder has also been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for witnesses and are particularly keen to hear from anybody who saw anyone entering or leaving 10 Berkeley Close between November 7 and November 8.

They also want to hear from anybody with information on Mr Brierley’s movements in the days leading up to his death.

Det Ch Insp Allen Davies, from Lancashire’s Force Major Investigation Team (FMIT), said: “While we have made some further arrests and secured charges against two individuals our enquiries are very much ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who has any information and who has not yet spoken to police to come forward and contact us.

“Mr Brierley’s family have been updated on the latest developments and they are continuing to be supported by specially trained officers. My thoughts remain with them at this time.”

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