THE heartbroken family of a 19-year-old woman who was the unintentional target of a drive-by shooting have spoken of their pain following her death.

Aya Hachem was this afternoon named as an ambitious law student who had recently passed her second-year exams at Salford University.

The teenager had been out shopping for groceries on Sunday afternoon when she was shot while walking up King Street, in Blackburn.

She was taken to hospital but sadly died a short while later.

Now, her mother, father and three siblings have paid tribute to her in a touching family statement.

It read: “Our beautiful 19-year-old daughter Aya has been taken from us in the most horrific circumstances.

"She was the most loyal devoted daughter who enjoyed spending time with her family especially her brothers and sisters Ibraham, Assil and Amir.

"She excelled in her studies both at Blackburn Central High School and  at Salford University where she was in her second year and dreamed of becoming a solicitor. She had just completed her exams and was learning to drive.

"We her parents are absolutely devastated by her death and would like to take this opportunity to plead with any members of the public who may have any information however small that may bring those responsible to justice.

"We ask for privacy at this distressing time for us to grieve as a family."

A murder investigation has now been launched and a manhunt for the killer is underway. 

Anybody with any other information is asked to get in touch with police on 101, quoting log number 0412 of May 18th, or anonymously via independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.