A fourth person has been charged as part of the investigation into the murder of Blackburn mum, Alison McBlain.

Ms McBlain, 36, died in hospital on November 21 following a hit and run, which happened around 7.45pm on November 19 on King Street/Whalley Banks at the junction with Pearson Street.

Three people have already been charged in connection with her murder, and on Tuesday evening, John Chatwood, 25, of Walsh Street, Blackburn, was also charged with murder and attempted murder.

He is due to appear at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Detectives believe a car, a Fiat Punto Grande, mounted the pavement before hitting Ms McBlain and a second pedestrian, a man aged 26 and from Blackburn.

The man, Christian Rivers, sustained serious injuries including a broken ankle and a broken wrist.

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

Attempts had also been made to set the vehicle on fire.

Following extensive enquiries a number of people were arrested by police in connection with Ms McBlain’s death.

Kaylib Connolly, 18, of Ivy Street, Blackburn, Dean Qayum, 20, of Patterdale Avenue, Blackburn and a 16-year-old boy from Blackburn, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were previously charged with murder and attempted murder and appeared at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on November 26.

Another man, aged 26, and also from Blackburn, was arrested last month on suspicion of the same offences and remains on bail pending further enquiries.