The Children’s Society has paid tribute to one of its young trustees after she was shot dead in Blackburn over the weekend.
Nineteen-year-old law student Aya Hachem was hit in the chest while shopping on Sunday by what police believe was a stray bullet.
Three men aged 39, 33 and 36, all from Blackburn, have been detained by police and were being questioned in relation to the incident on Tuesday.
Mark Russell, chief executive of the Children’s Society, said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of one of our young trustees, Aya Hachem.
“She was a truly remarkable young woman,and an inspiring voice for children and young people. Our thoughts are with her family at this awful time.”
The charity has five young trustees from its services who take part in full board meetings.
Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods of Lancashire Police said: “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.”