A MAN has been charged with the murder of a resident at a Haslingden caravan park.

Thomas McGrady, 48, known locally as Jim, of Holden Valley Caravan Park, Grane Road, is alleged to have killed Bryan Jeffers, 34, on Wednesday.

He was due to appear before Burnley magistrates today.

A 40-year-old local arrested on suspicion of assault has been released without charge.

Police launched a murder inquiry and began searching the grounds near Holden Mill for a weapon after the body was found just before 8am on Wednesday.

Detectives leading the investigation revealed early examinations suggested the man died from stab wounds.

Caravan Park owner Gabrielle Tattersall today spoke of her shock and sorrow after the death.

The owner said: "Ever since it happened, the residents have been really upset."

The caravan park was set-up in 1997 when the owners bought a derelict house on the site.

They lived in two caravans, which grew to 15 when friends asked if they could also live in caravans.

Planners threatened to shut the site when they discovered the caravans did not have planning permission. The case was taken to appeal and the family won the right to keep the caravans at the picturesque site. There are 55 caravans on the site, which is used as a bail hostel and for housing homeless people.

The owner added: "I couldn't believe it when I found out what had happened. I was in total shock.

"My heart goes out to his family, he was a lovely person who would have done anything for anyone."