DETECTIVES investigating the murder of Aya Hachem have been given more time to question three people arrested in connection with her death.

Two men aged 31 and 35 who were arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of murder appeared before magistrates along with a 29-year-old man arrested on the same day on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Magistrates have now granted officers a further 36 hours to speak to the men.

A spokesperson for the police said: "There are now a total of 11 people in custody in connection with the investigation into Aya’s death and our enquiries are continuing."

Police launched a major investigation after Aya, 19, was shot in broad daylight on Sunday as she was out shopping close to the Lidl supermarket on King Street in Blackburn.

Aya was taken to hospital but was sadly pronounced dead a short time later, and a post mortem examination revealed she died as a result of a gunshot wound to her chest.

Before she was fatally wounded, a light silver/ green Toyota Avensis drove past Aya.

Shots were fired from the vehicle and tragically, one of them struck and killed her.

Officers do not believe she was the intended target of the attack.

The Avensis, with the registration number SV53 UBP, was recovered by police on Sunday on Wellington Road.

A police presence remains in the area whilst enquiries continue.

The shooting is not being treated as terrorism-related or a racially-motivated.

Any information or video footage can be sent in to us via the Major Incident Public Portal at orlo.uk/AS5yj

Anybody with any other information is asked to get in touch on 101, quoting log number 0412 of May 18, or anonymously via independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at orlo.uk/gH9lb.