A MAN arrested by detectives investigating the alleged murder of an Accrington father-of-three has had the charge against him dropped.

Mohammed Rafiq, 34, of Claret Street, Accrington, was accused of making threats to kill his brother-in-law Mohammed Azam on July 4.

The following day father-of-three Mr Azam, 36, of Bullough Close, Accrington, was found dead with head injuries in a house in Higher Antley Street. Rafiq was arrested on July 6.

David Hartley, prosecuting, yesterday applied for the case against Rafiq to be withdrawn because of insufficient evidence. The case was discharged by Hyndburn magistrates.

Another of Mr Azam's brothers-in-law, Mohammed Meherban, is charged with murder. He has been further remanded to appear before Hyndburn magistrates on September 6.

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