A MAN wanted in connection with the hit-and-run murder of Blackburn mother Alison McBlain has been arrested, detectives have confirmed.

Kaylib Connolly, 18, was arrested this evening on suspicion of Ms McBlain's murder.

Detectives are still looking for Dean Qayum, 20, who remains on the run.

The news comes as a 25-year-old Blackburn man, initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on Wednesday but re-arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday has been released on bail until December 19.

A a 26-year-old man from Blackburn arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday afternoon and another person arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday remain in custody this evening.

Ms McBlain died in hospital on Thursday after being hit by a Fiat Punto Grande on King Street, Blackburn, at 7.50pm on Tuesday.

Her family, including her 12-year-old son Reagan, were by her bedside.

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

He left the scene before police arrived and officers launched an appeal to find him. He was found on Wednesday afternoon in a house close to the scene and was helping police with their enquiries.

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

The 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.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for information about Qayum in connection with Miss McBlain’s death and are warning anyone hiding him will be arrested.

Qayum is believed to have a leg injury and could be using crutches.

Det Ch Insp Lee Wilson said: “Dean Qayum remains wanted in connection with this extremely serious offence.

“Police want to speak to him and I believe they he is being harboured in and around the Blackburn area at this time.

“I would warn anyone who is protecting him, or helping to hide him, 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 Qayum is, to do the right thing – please come forward and speak to police immediately.

“I would urge the public to help us find those responsible for this brutal and callous attack.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log 0915 of November 20 or through the Major Incident Portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/0401020119E09-PO1

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