Man charged with murder after dad’s death from gunshot
AMAN has been charged with murder after a dad-oftwo died from a gunshot wound in a tragedy which has rocked a tight-knit community.
Police were called at around 8.25pm on Wednesday, October 25 to Barnard Close in Oswaldtwistle.
Lee Holt, from Accrington, had suffered a single shot wound to his chest. The 32-year-old was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital where he sadly died a short time later.
The community has spoken of its shock and sadness following Mr Holt’s death, while his devastated family has paid tribute to a ‘brilliant and loving’ dad.
In a statement, his fam- ily said: “He has left the love of his life Kate in the most traumatic way imaginable. We hope to draw from the courage and strength he showed in his life to get through this extremely difficult time.”
Mr Holt’s friend and neighbour Joseph O’Neill, of Cedar Street, Accrington, said: “I’ve never met a better lad in my life than Lee. He didn’t deserve what happened to him.
“It should never have happened and it’s a tragedy for all the family.
“I’ve known Lee for six years and he always used to come up and visit his mum and dad. They’ve lived here for over 20 years. They are such a lovely family.”
Residents were left in a state of shock following the tragic incident, with two blue police tents covering the front of the house, and the road blocked by police tape with officers standing guard.
A Barnard Close resident said: “I couldn’t believe it when I found out what happened. We are really shocked.
“It’s a quiet family area round here with a school nearby and you don’t expect something like this to happen.”
Investigating officers gave reassurances that it was being treated as an isolated incident say there is no suggestion it is linked with two other firearms incidents in Accrington earlier in the year.
Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting reference LC-20171025-1407, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
MATTHEW Moseley, 49, of Barnard Close, Oswaldtwistle appeared at Blackburn Magistrates Court on October 31 charged with murder. No plea was entered and he was remanded in custody to appear at Preston Crown Court on Thursday, November 2.
A 14-year-old boy from Oswaldtwistle was arrested on suspicion of murder and has been bailed to November 22 by police.
Shock at dad’s gun death - see overleaf