Two arrested over rape and murder of doctor and teenage daughter

Both men held on suspicion of murder, rape and arson

A family photo of Dr Saman Mir Sacharvi and her 14-year-old daughter Vian Mangrio (PA)

Police have arrested two men on suspicion of rape and murder in connection with the deaths of a doctor and her teenage daughter.

The men, from Burnley, aged 51 and 56, were detained at about 7pm on Sunday, both on suspicion of two counts of murder, two counts of rape and one of arson with intent to endanger life.

Dr Saman Mir Sacharvi, 49, and Vian Mangrio, 14, were found dead inside their fire and smoke-damaged house in Burnley, Lancashire, by police at about 8.45am on Thursday.

A Home Office post-mortem examination on Dr Sacharvi showed on Saturday that she died from pressure to her neck and that she was also assaulted before she died.

Tests have shown Miss Mangrio was badly burnt, but officials have not yet determined the cause of her death.

Officers who attended the house on Colne Road, Burnley, discovered their bodies along with evidence of fire and smoke inside.

Their next of kin have been informed and they are being supported by specially trained officers.

Miss Mangrio was a pupil at Marsden Heights School in nearby Nelson.

Lancashire Police are continuing to urge anybody with information about their deaths to make contact with them as soon as possible.

Detective Superintendent Jon Holmes, head of major crime, said they have a number of lines of inquiry and have made two arrests.

He said: "However this is a live investigation and we continue to ask anyone with any information to get in touch with us.

"Perhaps you have been in the Colne Road 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 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.

"We have a team of detectives dedicated to the investigation and we will leave no stone unturned."

Both of the men arrested remain in police custody.

Anyone with information can contact police quoting log 0298 of October 1, or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Press Association