Aya Hachem, 19, was shot dead in a drive-by shooting outside a Lidl supermarket in Blackburn where someone else is believed to have been the intended target. She was shot in the neck as she shopped with her family near her home at around 3pm yesterday.
The Toyota Avensis that was used in the drive-by shooting of Aya Hachem, 19
Police were called to reports a woman had been found unresponsive on King Street, close to the Lidl supermarket, after two gunshots had been heard in the area.
Lancashire Police said Aya had been walking to the Lidl supermarket when she was killed. A light green Toyota Avensis drove past Aya containing a number of people. Shots were fired from the car and one ” tragically hit Aya.”
Aya Hachem, 19, was shot dead in a drive-by shooting outside a Lidl supermarket in Blackburn
The Toyota Avensis, bearing the registration number SV53 UBP, was later recovered from nearby Wellington Road and police have released pictures of the vehicle.
Police said today: “There is no evidence to suggest Aya was the intended target of this attack and every indication is that she was an innocent passerby. We are aware of rumours circulating on social media and we would stress that we are not treating the incident as terrorism-related and do not believe it was a racially-motivated attack.”
Aya Hachem
DCC Terry Woods, of Lancashire Police, said: “This was an appalling and senseless attack on an innocent young woman, whose life was cut short while she was simply out doing some shopping.
“First and foremost our condolences are with her family, who have lost their daughter during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Toyota Avensis that was used in the drive-by shooting of Aya Hachem, 19
“In the last 24 hours we have learnt that Aya was a much-loved family member and friend who was enjoying her studies at the University of Salford. She also gave her time to being a young trustee of the Children’s Society. For her life to have been cut short like this is unthinkable and her family are understandably utterly distraught.
“We are now asking anybody information to come forward. We know King Street was reasonably busy at the time of the attack and there will have been witnesses in the areas of King Street and Whalley Banks, near Lidl and the A674, who may have seen something or who may know who is responsible.
“We believe a green-coloured Toyota Avensis was used to commit the offence, and this car was later recovered nearby. If you saw the car in the area of King Street and Whalley Banks, or if you saw it being abandoned on Wellington Road, again we would urge you to get in touch. Similarly if you have information about who had been using this vehicle either on the day of the attack or in the weeks preceding, please tell us.
“We are also still appealing for anybody with mobile phone, CCTV or dashcam footage taken in the area between 10am and 4pm yesterday to send it to us.
“We appreciate people may not want to get involved and may be reluctant to come forward, but an innocent young woman has been killed in broad daylight and we are asking anybody with any information at all to search their consciences and get in touch to tell us what they know.”
In a tribute, Aya’s family said: “Our beautiful 19-year-old daughter Aya has been taken from us in the most horrific circumstances. She was the most loyal devoted daughter who enjoyed spending time with her family especially her brothers and sisters IBRAHAM, ASSIL and AMIR.
“She excelled in her studies both at Blackburn Central High School and at Salford University where she was in her second year and dreamed of becoming a solicitor. She had just completed her exams and was learning to drive.
“We her parents are absolutely devastated by her death and would like to take this opportunity to plead with any members of the public who may have any information however small that may bring those responsible to justice.
“We ask for privacy at this distressing time for us to grieve as a family.
” Any information or footage can be sent in to us via the major incident portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/0401020120E05-PO1.
Anybody with any other 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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