Moor Nook: Dog Walker Sadly Dies In Hospital Following “Barbaric Attack”

Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Wednesday 19th March 2025, at 16:55hrs

Moor Nook is in deep mourning following the tragic news that 63-year-old Mr. Carlisle, a lifelong resident has sadly succumbed to injuries sustained in a barbaric, random, and unprovoked attack last Wednesday morning (12th March 2025).

Mr. Carlisle, a familiar and cherished figure in the community, was attacked while walking his dog on Langden Drive, close to Moor Nook Primary School and Ribbleton Medical Centre, shortly after 6am.

Lancashire Police responded to emergency calls at approximately 6:15 am, arriving at Langden Drive, Ribbleton, to find Mr. Carlisle unconscious in the middle of the road.

“He sustained significant injuries and was immediately rushed to hospital,” a police spokesperson confirmed.”

Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he remained in a critical condition and sadly passed away in hospital.

The attack has shocked and saddened residents, who described Mr. Carlisle, as a friendly man, always seen walking his dog and saying hello if you passed him.

One resident who did not want to be named said: “Mr Carlisle had not long moved into his bungalow and seemed really happy. “He would sit outside with a brew in the morning and always give you a wave and say hello.”

“I’ve known him for many years, and it is very saddening to hear what happened to him,” They added.

They continued: “Gary is well known in the area, and to see him at his happiest to having it snatched away in the most horrific way is just incomprehensible, my thoughts are with his family at this terribly sad time and I send my heartfelt condolences to them especially his children.”

The incident left many feeling vulnerable and fearful in their own community.

Cllr Patricia Varty, whose house is near the scene of the attack, expressed her understanding of the community’s “unsettlement.”

She, along with Cllrs Jonathan Saksena and Anna Hindle, issued a statement to Blog Preston addressing rumours circulating on social media.

“Following the assault that took place on Wednesday at Ribbleton Hall Drive, Preston City Cllr Varty, Cllr Saksena and Cllr Hindle wish to send our thoughts and prayers with the victim Mr Carlisle and to his family and friends,” the statement read.

“We understand that the community are shocked by these sad events, and please reach out to us should you need support.

We would like to reassure residents that the rumours of the assailant’s heritage being from a foreign country were incorrect, and he is in-fact a British born resident.”

A man in his 30s was arrested in nearby Ribbleton Hall Drive following the attack. Officers deployed a taser and, with the assistance of brave members of the public, were able to detain the suspect.

A woman who came to Mr. Carlisle’s aid was also assaulted and suffered minor injuries.

Lancashire Police have since confirmed that the man has been detained under the Mental Health Act.

In a statement Lancashire Police said:

“We are continuing to appeal for anyone who saw what happened or who has any CCTV, Ring doorbell, mobile phone or dashcam footage to come forward.

Det Chief Insp John McNamara, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “First and foremost my thoughts are with Mr Carlisle’s loved ones. His family are being supported by specially trained officers.

“This is now a murder enquiry and whilst we have made an arrest, I would continue to appeal to anyone who has any information or footage which could help us piece together exactly what happened to get in touch.”

Anyone who can help should call 101 quoting log 0181 of March 12th.”

The loss of Mr. Carlisle has left a profound void in Moor Nook, a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating impact of senseless violence.