Two men from Manchester arrested in connection with the murder of Aya Hachem
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).”
“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.”
“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.
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.