EIGHT men accused of plotting to kill a teenager in an alleyway shooting have pleaded not guilty.

The men appeared before Preston Crown Court yester-day charged with conspiracy to murder following the incident off Accrington Road, Blackburn last year.

Baber Qasam, 29 of Chestnut Walk, Blackburn, Yasser Khan, 24 of July Street, Blackburn, Gary Powell, 29, of Drayton Walk, Old Trafford, Man-chester, Gareth Curtis, 31, of Milton Close, Stretford, Manchester, Ashley Duhaney, 21, of Maher Gardens, Old Trafford, Manchester, David Corbett, 22, of Redbrook Road, Timperley, Manchester and Craig Monaghan, 23, of Garfield Avenue, Timperley, Manchester, all pleaded not guilty to conspiring to murder Suheal Patel, then 19.

The charges relate to an alleged shooting in an alleyway between Accrington Road and Frederick Row at around 9pm on February 15, 2007.

No one was injured during the incident.

The trial is expected to last seven-and-a-half weeks, finishing no later than July 25, and is being overseen by Justice Maddison.

A total of 52 witnesses will be called to give evidence, including the victim.

Due to the length of the trial a jury of 12 people are being selected from a potential 80.Yesterday Justice Maddison asked potential jurors to go home and think about whether they would be able to be involved in such a lengthy court case.

The trial is expected to start today once the jury is decided.

The prosecution will then open its case.

(Proceeding)