Lancashire Model Murder: Woman and Man Charged in Death of Luke Harden
A 27-year-old mother and a 26-year-old man have been charged with the murder of Luke Harden, a male model found critically injured in Bacup, Lancashire, on November 1.
A woman and a man are in custody following the death of Luke Harden, also known as “Duke,” a professional model. Natalie Chadwick and Bhekisani Matabiswana appeared via video link at Preston Crown Court on Friday, November 7, and were remanded in custody pending further legal proceedings.
Harden, 27, was discovered dying in the street shortly after 12:35 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, after leaving the Rosemount Working Men’s Club in Bacup. Despite the rapid response of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination was conducted on Sunday, but the official cause of death remains unconfirmed.
Chadwick, 27, of Hamerton Street, Bacup, and Matabiswana, 26, known locally as Nick, of St James Street, Bacup, both face a single charge of murder. During their court appearance, the pair only spoke to confirm their identities. The Honorary Recorder of Preston, Judge Robert Altham, scheduled a trial date for April 2026.
Following the tragic news, Harden’s family released a heartfelt statement, describing him as “special” and “beautiful.” “There are no words to describe how devastated we all are,” the family said. “We wish our Luke could see the outpouring of love from everyone who knows him. He is and will always be special to us all, as a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle, boyfriend and friend. You will be forever in our hearts and minds, and we are comforted knowing we can shut our eyes and your beautiful face will always be smiling back at us. Rest in peace, our gorgeous Luke, until we will meet again.”
Nemesis Model Agency, based in Manchester, also paid tribute to Harden, who had been with the agency since 2013. In a statement posted on their Facebook page, the agency said, “It’s with great sadness that we must announce the untimely death of one of our favourite models LUKE HARDEN. Luke had been a model with Nemesis since 2013 and he was loved by everyone who met him and respected everyone who worked with him.”
Lancashire Police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding Harden’s death. Detectives are appealing to the public for assistance, specifically requesting anyone with doorbell or dash cam footage from the area, or who was present at the Rosemount Working Men’s Club on October 31, to come forward.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Lancashire Police at [email protected] or by calling 101 and quoting log number 50 of November 1, 2025. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish a complete timeline of events leading to this tragic outcome.
