Lancashire Police have made two further arrests in connection with the murder of Aya Hachem from Blackburn.
Aya Hachem, 19, was killed in a shooting near her home in Blackburn on 17th May.
Lancashire Police have today confirmed that a 30-year-old from Manchester was detained by Spanish police after a European Arrest Warrant was executed in Fuengirola on Saturday 4th July, and a 33-year-old Manchester man has been arrested today on suspicion of assisting an offender in connection with the murder.
In an official statement released today, Lancashire Police said: “Police in Spain have made an arrest in relation to the murder of Aya Hachem, 19, from Blackburn.”
“The 30-year-old from Manchester was detained after a European Arrest Warrant was executed in Fuengirola on Saturday (July 4th).”
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“He is being held on suspicion of Aya’s murder and the attempted murder of the man officers believe was the target of the shooting which killed her on Sunday, May 17th. He is currently subject to the extradition process so he can be brought back to Lancashire and be charged with the offences.”
“In addition, today (Tuesday, July 7th), a 33-year-old Manchester man has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, with warrants being executed at addresses on Grassmere Road and Moss Lane in Partington, Manchester. Searches are on-going at those properties.”
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“The total arrested in connection with Aya’s death now stands at 21.”
“Of these:
Seven people have been charged with her murder and the attempted murder of the intended target of the shooting
Two people have been released on bail pending further enquiries
Eight people have been released under investigation
Two people in custody (one of those is in Spain)
Two people have been released without charge.”
Lancashire Police would like to continue to remind people that information or video footage in relation to this inquiry can still be sent via the Major Incident Public Portal here.
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Anybody with any other information can contact Lancashire Police 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.
This is a breaking news story – More to follow.
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Chester Zoo is hiring a new keeper to look after its ‘birds and bees’
Emily Sergeant
Chester Zoo is currently hiring someone to look after its ‘birds and bees’, and you can get your applications in the for role now.
If you’re after a career change in 2026, then surely it doesn’t get much better than this?
The UK’s biggest charity zoo currently has a vacancy open for a Keeper to join the Invertebrates team, and for the right candidate, this offers a fantastic opportunity to work as part of the wider Ectotherms department – with a focus on native species conservation.
Chester Zoo is responsible for one of Europe’s largest and most-diverse animal communities, and this is your chance to be a part of what makes it so special.
For this full-time role, the zoo is looking for an ‘enthusiastic, dynamic, and motivated’ individual to provide extensive knowledge and proven expertise in caring for and managing all the native invertebrate species that live there.
The ideal candidate for this job will have a HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science or equivalent experience, and have ‘outstanding’ observational skills and attention to detail, as well as be committed to ensuring the highest possible standards of animal health and welfare are met.
The role of ‘Keeper – Invertebrates’ is 40 hours per week on a 12-month Fixed Term basis, with the working week being 10 days out of 14, including weekends and bank holidays as rostered, and the salary being £25,500 per annum.
Working at Chester Zoo comes with an ‘excellent benefits package’ and loads of perks too, including a generous pension scheme, 33 days paid holidays per year, a healthcare plan, pension scheme, a staff pass so you can visit the zoo for free, and complimentary tickets for friends and family.
Think you’re fit for the job? The closing date for applications is 22 November 2026, and you can find out more and apply for the role here.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
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Appeal for information after serious bus-cyclist collision on Deansgate
Daisy Jackson
Police have launched an appeal for information following a serious road traffic collision on Deansgate, which has left a cyclist in critical condition.
Yesterday afternoon reports were made of a crash between a cyclist and a bus on the busy street in Manchester city centre.
The cyclist, who is a man in his 80s, has suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash, and remains in hospital in critical condition.
The crash took place on the junction of Bridge Street and Deansgate at around 12.30pm on Monday 2 November.
A large cordon was in place and Deansgate closed for several hours yesterday.
Police officers are now appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the moments leading up to this incident, or may have mobile phone or dashcam footage, to come forward.
No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information can contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting the log number 1510 of 02.11.26. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.