A MAN from Prescot has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the death of a man in Blackpool.

'Aggravated burglary'

Police were called around 6.50pm on Easter Monday, April 10, to a report of an aggravated burglary at an address in Scorton Avenue in Blackpool.

It was reported three men had entered a flat and assaulted a man before making off from the scene.

Police attended the incident and spoke with the alleged victim, John Hutchinson, 44, from Blackpool.

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Around 9.10pm, we were called by the Ambulance Service to the same address with Mr Hutchinson having suffered a suspected cardiac arrest.

He was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital for treatment, but sadly later died.

Following a Home Office post-mortem, it was established he had died from internal injuries after the earlier assault.

His next of kin have been informed.

Six arrests made

Six people have been arrested in connection with the investigation.

Residents in Prescot reported seeing officers from Lancashire Police around the area of Sewell Street on Wednesday, April 12.

A spokesman has confirmed that this was in relation to the investigation into the incident and a suspect from Prescot has been arrested.

Four people have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

They are a 33-year-old man from Prescot, a 36-year-old man from Liverpool, a 47-year-old man from Blackpool and a 33-year-old man also from Blackpool.

Meanwhile, a 34-year-old woman from Blackpool has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. 

All five remain in custody.

A 34-year-old man from Blackpool who was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and released.

Detectives are urging anyone with information about the attack to come forward.

Detectives appeal 

Det Ch Insp Andy Fallows, of Lancashire Police’s Force Major Investigation Team, said: “We have launched a murder investigation following the death of John Hutchinson in Blackpool.


“Our thoughts are very much with Mr Hutchinson’s family at this very sad and difficult time.

“While we have made several arrests, we are very keen to speak to anyone with information or any witnesses who can assist our inquiries.

“Were you in the Scorton Avenue area around the time of the assault? Did you see anyone in the area acting suspiciously? Please come forward and speak to police.

“We are particularly interested in a grey Ford Fiesta car, registration SG18 BGU.

"We believe this vehicle travelled to Blackpool from the Merseyside area on Monday. This vehicle is now in possession of police but if you saw this vehicle on April 10, please come forward."

  • Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log 1207 of April 10. Alternatively, you can report a crime via independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.