2 held for rape and murder of doctor and daughter, 14

TWO men were being questioned by police on suspicion of rape, murder and arson yesterday following the deaths of a doctor and her teenage daughter.

Dr Saman Mir Sacharvi, 49, and Vian Mangrio, 14, were found dead inside their smoke-damaged house in Burnley on Thursday morning.

The suspects, aged 51 and 56, were detained on Sunday evening. Both are are from the Lancashire town.

A post-mortem examination on Dr Sacharvi showed that she had died from pressure to her neck and had also been assaulted.

Ms Mangrio, a pupil at Marsden Heights School in nearby Nelson, was badly burnt, but tests have not yet determined the cause of her death. Next ‘Arson attack’: Dr Sacharvi and daughter Vian were found dead at home of kin have been informed and they are tives had a number of lines of inquiry. being supported by specially trained He added: ‘However, this is a live police officers. investigation and we continue to ask

Det Supt Jon Holmes, head of major anyone with any information to get in crime at Lancashire Police, said detec- touch with us. Perhaps you have been in the area recently and have seen something suspicious.

‘Maybe you have CCTV or dashcam footage which could contain something useful. Or perhaps you think you know who is responsible.

‘Whatever information you have, we would urge you to get in touch, even if you think that what you know is insignificant.

‘Finally, our thoughts remain with Dr Sacharvi and Miss Mangrio’s family and friends at this awful time, and we send them our deepest condolences.’

Mr Holmes added: ‘We have a team of detectives dedicated to the investigation and we will leave no stone unturned.’

Anyone with information can contact Lancashire Police quoting log 0298 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.