Man denies murder of professional model

A man accused of murdering a professional model has pleaded not guilty, a court has heard.

Luke Harden, 36, died on Newchurch Road in Bacup shortly after midnight on 1 November after paramedics were unable to resuscitate him

Bhekisani Matabiswana, 26, of St James Street, Bacup, pleaded not guilty to murder earlier at Preston Crown Court.

Natalie Chadwick, 27, of Hammerton Green in the town, who is also charged with Mr Harden's murder, did not enter a plea.

Both were further remanded into custody to appear at the same court on 2 March 2026.

Mr Harden was described as a "respected" model who "was loved everyone who met him" in tribute from his family and the Manchester-based Nemesis Model Agency where he worked.

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