THE son of a Blackburn couple stabbed to death inside their Preston jewellery store has re-opened the shop nearly three months after their horrific deaths.

Shafiq Karim, the eldest son of Mohammed Karim, 52, and his wife, Bilquis, 48, has reopened the door to their small shop in Church Street, Preston.

The 29-year-old, who was attacked in Burnley just four weeks before his parents' bodies were found, said the family decided to re-open the shop because it is what the popular couple, of Whalley Old Road, Little Harwood, Blackburn, would have wanted. He also said that he had received lots of help from locals, both in Preston and Blackburn, where his brother Shabir is now running the family's auction room.

Shafiq said: "It was a very difficult decision for us to take, but we know it is the right one.

"Both of my parents were fiercely proud of their business and would have done anything to save it. The last thing they would have wanted is for it to close permanently.

"I would like to think they would be proud of what we are doing." For more than two weeks after the Karims' deaths, forensic experts combed the small shop.

Shabir, 27, was attacked and tied up inside the auctioneers - called Tony's and Sons Auctioneers and Valuers and based in Lynwood Road, Revidge - in September 1998 by raiders who made off with £400,000 worth of goods.

Shafiq added: "There has been an incredible amount of support from people in this area. Traders from all around have supported us.

"Our customers have also been very understanding about what has happened. I hope to be able to carry on the business the way my parents would have wanted and provide an excellent service.

"It was my dad's pride and joy and nobody is going to put us down and make us close it." Two teenagers have been charged with the murder of Mohammed and Bilquis Karim. Christopher Gavin, 18, of Dorman Road, Greenlands, Preston and a 16-year-old are currently awaiting trial.

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