Trial begins tomorrow for man accused of murdering Burnley doctor and her teenage daughter

The trial will be starting tomorrow (June 9th) for the murders of Dr Saman Mir Sacharvi (49) and her 14-year-old daughter Vian Mangrio, who were killed at their home in Reedley in September last year.
By Faiza Afzaal
Published 8th Jun 2021, 16:59 GMT
Updated 8th Jun 2021, 17:00 GMT
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On trial is Shahbaz Khan (51), of Ribble Avenue, Burnley, who is charged with two counts of murder and one count of arson with being reckless as to whether life is endangered.

His wife, Rabia Shahbaz (45), also of Ribble Avenue, Burnley, is on trial charged with committing an act with intent to pervert the course of justice.

The two defendants will appear at Preston Crown Court.

Dr Saman Mir Sacharvi (49) and her 14-year-old daughter Vian Mangrio, who were killed at their home in Reedley in September last year. Photo credit: Lancashire ConstabularyDr Saman Mir Sacharvi (49) and her 14-year-old daughter Vian Mangrio, who were killed at their home in Reedley in September last year. Photo credit: Lancashire Constabulary
Dr Saman Mir Sacharvi (49) and her 14-year-old daughter Vian Mangrio, who were killed at their home in Reedley in September last year. Photo credit: Lancashire Constabulary
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The bodies of Dr Saman and Vian were found on the morning of October 1st, after police were called to their address over concerns for their welfare.

Police said Vian’s body was found downstairs in the address, badly burnt, while Dr Saman’s body was found upstairs. Attempts had also been made to burn her body, but the fire had failed to take hold.

A post-mortem examination concluded Dr Saman died from pressure to the neck, but Vian’s body was so badly damaged by fire that the pathologist could only say she died of asphyxiation ‘on the balance of probabilities’.