A 16-YEAR-OLD has been charged with the murder of a woman in Blackburn.

The boy, from Blackburn, has been charged over the death of Alison McBlain, who died on Thursday in hospital following a serious collision around 7.45pm on Tuesday, November 19, on King Street at the junction with Pearson Street in Blackburn.

Officers believe a car, a Fiat Punto Grande, deliberately mounted the pavement before colliding with Miss McBlain, and a second pedestrian, Christian Rivers, also from Blackburn.

Mr Rivers, 26, suffered a broken ankle and a broken wrist in the incident.

Dean Qayum, who was wanted by police in connection to the investigation, was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder today. (Monday) Kaylib Connolly, 18, who was also wanted in relation to the investigation, was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

The car failed to stop at the scene of the collision and was later found on Lower Hollin Bank Street with significant front end damage.

Attempts had been made to set the vehicle on fire.

Three people were initially arrested by police on suspicion of murder.

In addition to Quaym and Connolly, a 26-year-old man remains in custody.

A 25-year-old man arrested last week was bailed pending further enquiries until the December 19 to return to the police station.

The youth has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Blackburn Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning (Tuesday). Det Ch Insp Lee Wilson said: “My thoughts and those of the team engaged on this inquiry remain with Alison’s loved ones.

“Her family are being supported by trained officers at this difficult time.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to members of the public who have supported and responded to police appeals for help over the last few days.

“Nevertheless the investigation is at an early stage so if you have any information at all that might help and haven’t already spoken to us, we would like to hear from you as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log 0915 of November 20 or through the major incident portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/0401020119E09-PO1.

You can also contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously.