Man charged after mum killed in alleged hit-and-run

A man has been charged after a mother died following an alleged hit-and-run collision. A blue Volkswagen Golf struck a pedestrian on Manchester Road, Nelson, Lancashire, at around 8.30pm on Sunday December 15.

The pedestrian, 51-year-old Safia Karieem, described by her two daughters as "a beacon of light and kindness", died at the scene.

Six people were arrested: three 19-year-old men, a 20-year-old woman and a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of dangerous driving. A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Following an investigation, and consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Abubakar Mahmood, 19, of Farrer Street, Nelson, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and driving whilst disqualified.

He was remanded into custody and appeared at Blackburn Magistrates Court yesterday. He has been further remanded into custody to appear at Burnley Crown Court on 20^th January.

DCI John McNamara, of Lancashire Police's Force Major Investigation Team said: “My thoughts remain with Safia’s loved ones in this development in our investigation. A man has now been charged, but we are continuing to appeal that if you have any information or footage, and haven’t yet spoken to us, to please get in contact. You can report on 101 quoting log 1156 of 15^th December."

The daughters of Safia paid a heartbreaking tribute to ‘the most awesomest mum’.

Paying tribute, her daughters said: “In loving memory of our dear mother, who dedicated her life to caring for others in the community. Her untimely and unnecessary death has left a void in our hearts that can never be filled.

"She was a beacon of light and kindness to those who knew her, and her absence is keenly felt by those whose lives she touched.