The death of Aya Hachem who was shot in broad daylight during the month of Ramadan shocked a whole town.

Here local councillors and community groups have spoken of the courage of the family who finally saw ‘justice served’.

Over the course of the 57-day trial, the court heard Aya, a 19-year-old law student, was shot in King Street, Blackburn on May 17 last year.

The court heard the drive-by shooting was organised by Feroz Suleman, who had been embroiled in a bitter feud with his neighbour and business rival Pacha Khan. Suleman hired a hitman from Manchester, Zamir Raja, to carry out the fatal shooting for the price of £1,500.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, who represents the Wensley Fold ward said his thoughts were with Aya’s family during what had been a very tragic time for the family, “I hope this brings some sort of resolution for the family during what has been a very tragic time for them. May they now get some sort of solace from the verdicts in that justice has been served.

“The whole community was shocked following the incident not only how it happened but also when it happened (during Ramadan). “Incidents like this are not something that happen in the town of Blackburn. The community did come together following the incident and you could see that on the anniversary of Aya’s death.

“The family have acted graciously and with patience during the difficult 14 months that followed.”

Mariyah Mahmud who lives in Blackburn and is of a similar age to Aya said: “Justice has prevailed but it is no consolation for the loss of such a young life.

“The family will have to live with this for the rest of their lives. The legacy of Aya will live on and the community cannot forget this happened.

“A young woman was walking along a road and her family expected her to be back home. She never made it home. This could have been anyone’s sister or daughter. I hope those who took her life will think about this forever.”

Cllr Zamir Khan said: “An innocent life was taken on that fateful day. I know it is no consolation but the family can be assured that justice has been served.

“Two parties were in dispute and an innocent life was taken in between.

“There should be no room for gun crime anywhere.”

Zaffer Khan, CEO One Voice Blackburn said: “We had the pleasure of meeting Ayah Hachem when she enrolled her younger sister into one of our groups. Her untimely death devastated the young people of this normally peaceful and welcoming town.

“Young people became genuinely worried about their own welfare. While absolutely nothing will compensate the family for Ayah’s death this resounding verdict may at least allow them to move on with their lives.”

The jury took just a few hours to find Feroz Suleman, 40, Kashif Manzoor, 26, Ayaz Hussain, 35, Abubakr Satia, 32, all from Blackburn, Zamir Raja, 33, of Stretford, Anthony Ennis, 31, of Partington, Uthman Satia, 29, of Great Harwood, guilty of murdering the teenager in a bungled hit in May 2020 in King Street, Blackburn.

Judy Chapman, 26, of Great Harwood, was cleared of murdering Aya but found guilty of manslaughter.

Cllr Mohammed Khan CBE, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said:  “We have been incredibly saddened to hear the detail of what happened throughout the court case and our thoughts remain with Aya’s family and friends.  

“Whilst we hope that today’s verdict will bring Aya’s family some comfort, we know that this won’t bring her back or take away the pain and suffering they feel. 

“Aya came to Blackburn with big hopes and dreams, and made a very valuable contribution to local life. She was a credit to her family, her school and all who knew her. 

“I know that as a Council we did everything possible to support the family in the immediate aftermath of Aya’s murder. Our Chief Officer led the work with ARC, the Police, the Lebanese Embassy, Blackburn Muslim Burial Society and the Coroner to ensure that Aya’s family were able to take her body back to be buried in their home town in Lebanon.

“In Blackburn with Darwen our community was united in our grief and sorrow for Aya and her family, and collectively condemned this abhorrent criminal activity. ” 

Denise Park, Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, added: “This tragedy has provoked a great deal of concern from many of our residents and all who knew and loved Aya.  

“We want our community to know that we will not tolerate this kind of serious crime or criminal behaviour, and no one should feel worried or threatened to go about their daily lives. 

“This was a very unusual and isolated incident, it is at the extreme end of criminal activity. 

“Gun and gang crime is taken extremely seriously and we are working hard with the police via our Community Safety team to support them, both in the context of this incident and the wider context of controlling gang activity. 

“I would urge anyone to contact the police about any concerns they may have relating to gang activity and criminal behaviours. Our residents are the eyes and ears of our neighbourhoods.  

“Together, we want to ensure nothing like this happens ever again in our borough.”