Investigation launched after Darwen man's death

Saturday, 18 January 2025 08:58

By Central Radio News

Police have arrested four people as enquiries continue after a missing man from Darwen was found dead.

Kevin Coates, 43, was last seen on Tottenham Road, Darwen at 10.11pm on Tuesday, January 7th.

Police had been looking for him since that time but the body of a man was found on Tottenham Road in Darwen on Tuesday (January 14th) and the body has now been confirmed as Kevin.

In a tribute his family said: “Kevin was a much-loved brother, father, son and uncle who touched the hearts and souls of everyone he met. He would light up the room. He was a gentle person with a big heart and a lovely nature. As a family we are absolutely heartbroken. Kevin – this is not a goodbye but a see you later.”

A Home Office post mortem examination has been carried out, but further enquiries are being undertaken to try and establish how Kevin died.

Before he went missing, police received a report Kevin had been assaulted at his home address on Fowler Heights Close and we are investigating that report.

Four people – a woman and three men have been arrested in connection with the investigation into the assault and enquiries are ongoing.

Det Chief Insp Sarah Denson, of Blackburn CID, said: “First and foremost my thoughts are with Kevin’s loved ones at this time.

“We are looking into the circumstances around the assault and the events leading to Kevin’s death and I would appeal to anyone who has any information which could assist to get in touch.”

We have referred ourselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to the previous contact we had with Kevin before he went missing.

Anyone with information about Kevin going missing or about the assault should call 101 quoting log 0916 of January 17th.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.