A future memorial celebrating the life of murdered teenager Aya Hachem will focus on her legacy of hope and aspiration.

On Wednesday, Blackburn with Darwen Council leader, Mohammed Khan, said that when the time is right, a lasting tribute will be created for the 19-year-old, celebrating her life and the impact she had made in her local community.

Cllr Khan said: "Aya was a great role model for young people and had taken up the many opportunities available to her in Blackburn, particularly through education, and was giving back to her community various ways.

"It was a senseless murder which has devastated her family and friends and affected the entire borough and beyond.

"It really isn't something we expect in Blackburn.

"The council is working with police and community colleagues to do everything possible to make sure it stays that way.

"The immediate priority is to give her family all the support and practical help they need.

"The police are putting a great deal of resource into the investigation and reassurance efforts given the extraordinary nature of this crime.

"Aya's now been laid to rest and tributes continue as people mourn her passing.

"There are many ideas and suggestions about how best to ensure Aya's memory lives on, focusing on her legacy of hope and aspiration.

"At the right time we will be helping to organise the most suitable lasting tribute to celebrate her life with the blessing of people who knew and were close to her."

Aya was fatally shot as she walked to Lidl supermarket on King Street near her home in Blackburn, on May 17.

To date, fifteen people have been arrested in connection with her death, and on Wednesday afternoon, a trial date of May 4 2021 was set for six defendants charged with her murder.