AN MP has called for the severest possible sentences to be imposed on the ‘ruthless killers’ of Aya Hachem.

On Tuesday a jury took less than three hours to convict tyre company boss Feroz Suleman and six others of the murder of the 19-year-old law student in a botched drive-by shooting in Blackburn in May last year.

The seven, and a 26-year-old woman from Great Harwood, found guilty of manslaughter are due to be sentenced on Thursday.

Blackburn MP Kate Hollern said: “My heart goes out to the family of Aya who are suffering the tragic loss of their beautiful daughter.

“It has been shocking to read how these callous conspirators plotted to kill on the streets of Blackburn and how the tragic result of their actions led to the senseless killing of Aya Hachem – an innocent young woman full of promise with so much to give.

“Whilst the verdict will not bring Aya back, I hope that the sentences given to these ruthless people reflect the horrendous crime they committed and the tragic loss that resulted from their actions.”

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

“Whilst we hope the 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. Our community was united in our grief and sorrow for Aya and her family, and collectively condemned this abhorrent criminal activity.”

The borough’s chief executive Denise Park said: “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 in the wider context of controlling gang activity.”

Suleman, 40; Anthony Ennis, 31; Zamir Raja, 33; Kashif Manzoor, 26; Ayaz Hussain, 35; Abubakr Satia, 32; and Uthman Satia, 29; were all found guilty of Aya’s murder and the attempted murder of rival tyre boss Pachah Khan.

Uthman’s girlfriend, Judy Chapman, 26, of Great Harwood, was cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter.