Four charged with murder after death of man with serious burns

Police launched an investigation after Robert Beattie was found injured at his home on Waverley in Skelmersdale on September 26.

The 48-year-old was taken to hospital but died on October 10.

Following extensive inquiries, detectives have now charged three men with murder and arson with intent to endanger life.

They are: Joseph McEwan, 19, of Damsire Close, Liverpool; John O’Brien, 31, of Ingrave Road, Liverpool; and Connah Jenkinson, 25, of Kremlin Drive, Liverpool.

They appeared before Preston Magistrates’ Court on Thursday and will stand trial in October.

A fourth man, Paul Hart, 32, of Whitburn, Skelmersdale, was charged with murder, arson with intent to endanger life and possession of class A drugs. He appeared before Preston Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.

Five other men, aged between 23 and 46, remain under investigation.

Det Ch Insp Pauline Stables, of Lancashire Police’s force major investigation team, said: “While we have charged a number of individuals our enquiries are very much ongoing and we continue to appeal to anyone with information that could help to come forward.

“Our thoughts remain very much with Mr Beattie’s family and friends at this sad time.”

Anybody with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting log 068 of September 26.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://orlo.uk/vqqvX.

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