FIVE youths have been charged with murdering 20-year-old Sophie Lancaster.

Police have upgraded the original charge - Section 18 wounding - that the youths faced following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service.

The five boys, aged between 15 and 17, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were due to appear at Burnley Youth Court today to face the murder charge.

Ms Lancaster died on August 24, 13 days after police said she had been attacked in Stubbylee Park, Bacup.

Officers said they suspected she and her boyfriend, Robert Maltby, had been targeted because they were wearing goth-style clothing.

The youths also face a Section 18 wounding in relation to an alleged attack on Mr Maltby.Det Supt Mick Gradwell, of Lancashire Police, said: "In relation to the death of Sophie Lancaster five people have now been charged with murder and are due to appear at Burnley Youth Court today."

Ms Lancaster lived in Bacup and was a former student at Haslingden High School.

Her parents have described her as "funny, kind, loving and brave." They said she was a beautiful girl with a social conscience and values which made her a joy to know.

They said that "not being able to see her blossom into her full potential or even to see her smile again is a tragedy beyond words."

Ms Lancaster's friends are planning a memorial concert to remember her "uniqueness."