Police arrest one of two men wanted over hit-and-run death of mother

Police investigating the death of a mother who was deliberately mowed down by a car have arrested one wanted man but are still looking for another.

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Wilson has urged the public to help them find Dean Qayum, 20, following the murder of 36-year-old Alison McBlain in Blackburn, Lancashire. 

It comes after they arrested wanted Kaylib Connolly, 18, in connection with the incident. The remaining wanted man Qayum could be using crutches for an injury.

Officers have captured Kaylib Connolly, 18, left, but Dean Qayum, right, is still on the run following the murder of 36-year-old Alison McBlain

It is believed that Qayum is being harboured in his Blackburn hometown and police have warned anyone who is hiding them that they will be arrested. 

A third person was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday.

Ms McBlain died in hospital on Thursday after being hit by a Fiat Punto Grande in Blackburn, at 7.50pm on Tuesday. Her family, including her 12-year-old son Reagan, were by her bedside.

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Wilson said: ‘Connolly and Qayum are wanted in connection with this extremely serious offence.

‘They know police want to speak to them and I believe they are being harboured in and around the Blackburn area at this time.

Alison McBlain died in hospital after being hit by a Fiat Punto Grande in Blackburn, at 7.50pm on Tuesday. Her family, including her 12-year-old son Reagan, were by her bedside

‘I would warn anyone who is protecting them, or helping to hide them, that we will identify this during our investigation and they will also be arrested and prosecuted.

‘My thoughts and those of the team engaged on this inquiry remain with Alison’s loved ones, in particular her 12-year-old son Reagan.

‘I would urge anyone with information about what has happened, or knows where Connolly and Qayum are, to do the right thing – please come forward and speak to police immediately.

‘We will not stop in our efforts to find both men and I would urge the public to help us find those responsible for this brutal and callous attack.’

A 25-year-old man from Blackburn was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on Wednesday night and has was re-arrested on suspicion of murder following Ms McBlain’s death.

Yesterday officers were granted more time to question him by the courts.

Detectives are also continuing to question a 26-year-old man from Blackburn arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday afternoon.

A second pedestrian, 26-year-old Christian Rivers, suffered a broken ankle and broken wrist, after also being hit by the Fiat.

Police investigating the death of a mother who was deliberately mowed down by a car have released images of two men wanted in connection with her death. Officers are pictured at the scene in Blackburn, Lancashire

The Fiat Punto, which was believed to be on cloned plates, was driven off after the incident.

A similar car was later found by police in Lower Hollin Bank Street with significant front end damage and attempts had been made to set the vehicle on fire.

It has been recovered as part of the investigation.

Detectives said they remain keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision or who saw the car, registration EX07PYA, in the moments before or after the collision, to come forward.

They would also like to speak to anyone in the Whalley Banks or Hollin Bridge Street area who has CCTV or dashcam footage to contact them.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101.

You can also contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously.