Five people now charged with murdering student Aya Hachem,19, in drive-by shooting as she walked to Lidl in Blackburn
THREE more suspects were charged last night with murdering Blackburn law student Aya Hachem who was shot dead on the way to Lidl.
It brings to five the number of people charged with killing 19-year-old Aya, who was caught in the crossfire of a suspected drive-by "hit" on Sunday.
Uthman Satia, 28, Judy Chapman, 26, and Kashif Manzoor, 24, were charged late on Friday with murder and attempted murder.
Hours earlier police said Feroz Suleman, 39, and Abubakir Satia, 31, had been charged with the same offences.
The five are accused of murdering Aya and attempting to murder a man police believe was the intended target.
They are all due to appear before magistrates in Preston.
Emergency services were scrambled to King Street in Blackburn just after 3pm on Sunday.
Detectives said two shots were fired, with the first bullet hitting a building and the second killing the University of Salford law student as she walked past.
Paramedics battled to save Aya, a Children’s Society charity volunteer, whose family had moved to Britain from Lebanon.
The teenager was taken to hospital, but died a short while later.
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Four other men arrested on suspicion of murder have been released, police said.
Two more aged 39 and 34 are still in custody.
And a man and two women arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have also been released under investigation.
Aya was shot 100 metres from where she lived with mum Samar and dad Ismail and their three younger children.
Her heartbroken dad Ismail Hachem paid tribute to his "strong" eldest daughter with a "pure soul".
My strong daughter lawyer Aya Ismail Hashem God's mercy on your pure soul.
Aya's dad
The dad-of-four wrote on Facebook: "My strong daughter lawyer Aya Ismail Hashem God's mercy on your pure soul.
"Hey who broke our back with your horizon you were all dream, science and morals.
"Oh Allah, inspire us with patience and solace.”
A neighbour said: “This has ripped them apart. They only came over from Lebanon six or seven years ago. It’s devastating.”
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The distraught family said in a statement: “Our beautiful 19-year-old daughter Aya has been taken from us in the most horrific circumstances.”
Detective Supt Andy Cribbin said: “While we have now charged people in connection with Aya’s murder our enquiries are very much on-going.
“I would like to thank all those who have come forward to assist with our investigation so far and to continue to encourage people to come and speak to us if they have information.”
Anybody with any information is asked to get in touch on 101, quoting log number 0412 of May 18th, or anonymously via independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
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