Family tribute to ‘loving dad’

Detectives believe Andrew Boardman – who worked as a baker – was bludgeoned with an iron bar during the incident on Saturday evening.

The 53-year-old was found with injuries to his face and chest in a flat on Glen Eldon Road, St Annes.

His heartbroken family today released a statement saying: “Andy spent the majority of his life in Lytham and worked as a baker in St Annes.

“He was recently divorced from Eileen and was a loving dad to Zoe, 25, and Sarah, 22.

“We are saddened by his sudden passing and would like to thank everyone for their support, but ask we are left to grieve in peace.”

The tribute came after a post mortem showed Mr Boardman’s injuries were consistent with those caused by a sustained attack.

Three people were arrested following Mr Boardman’s death on Saturday.

Blackpool magistrates today granted detectives an extension to continue to question a 22-year-old man until midnight tonight.

A 23-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were also quizzed by police following the incident.

They have now been released without charge.

Police and ambulance crews were called to the flat at around 11pm following reports a man had been seriously assaulted.

Mr Boardman was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where his condition deteriorated and he died around 6am on Sunday.