A MAN will this week stand trial accused of killing a mother and her daughter.

Shahbaz Khan, 61, of Ribble Avenue, Burnley, is charged with two counts of murder and one count of arson with being reckless as to whether life is endangered.

He was arrested in October of last year after the bodies of Dr Saman Mir Sacharvi, 49, and her daughter Vian Mangrio, 14, were found inside their Reedley home.

The man’s wife, Rabia Shahbaz, 45, also of Ribble Avenue, Burnley, also faces trial, charged with committing an act with intent to pervert the course of justice.

The bodies of Saman and Vian were found on the morning of October 1st, after police were called to their address over concerns for their welfare.

Vian’s body was found downstairs in the address, badly burnt, while Saman’s body was found upstairs.

The trial is estimated to last four weeks and will take place at Preston Crown Court.