DETECTIVES involved in the murder inquiry into the death of a 21-year-old Brierfield man say they are pursuing a number of new leads following a public meeting in the town.

More than 50 people met at the community centre on Saturday as part of the investigation into the death of Shahbaz Arshad, of Woodfield Terrace.

Mr Arshad died in hospital from severe head injuries after being attacked in a back street in the town on February 19.

Detectives were today expected to decide whether two men in custody in connection the incident will face new charges.

The local men have already appeared in court charged with causing Mr Arshad grievous bodily harm.

A third man has also appeared in court charged with concealing a vehicle with intent to impede the apprehension or prosecution of an alleged offender.

Detective Inspector Charles Lemmon said: "The meeting at the community centre was very encouraging.

"We had considerable support from the community for the investigation and we were given a number of new leads to follow up."

Mr Arshad, whose wife is expecting their second child shortly, was assaulted in a back street off Halifax Road after visiting a local snooker club.

He died two weeks later in the Royal Preston Hospital.

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