Doctor found dead with daughter in Burnley went 'out of her way' to help patients
A doctor at the centre of a double murder probe "went out of her way" to help patients during the Covid-19 lockdown and was "a joy to work with".
Dr Saman Mir Sacharvi, 49, and her daughter, 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 post-mortem examination on Dr Sacharvi showed she died from pressure to her neck and that she was also assaulted.
Tests have shown Miss Mangrio, a pupil at Marsden Heights School in Nelson, was badly burnt, but officials have not yet determined the cause of her death.
Dr Sacharvi was a junior doctor with Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust's specialist perinatal community mental health team since February.
She most recently worked at the trust's Daisyfield site in Blackburn.
Paying tribute to her, perinatal lead consultant Gill Strachan said:
She added: "During lockdown, when Covid-19 restrictions were in place, she went out of her way to support the care of women, personally delivering prescriptions to women isolating at home.
"The team are shocked and saddened, and she will be greatly missed.
"Our thoughts are with family and friends at this very sad time."
Floral tributes continue to be left outside the family home in Colne Road, Reedley, by well-wishers.
Miss Alyson Littlewood, headteacher at Marsden Heights School in Nelson said: "We are shocked and heartbroken by the tragic deaths of Vian and her mother and our whole school is mourning the loss of two much-loved members of our community.
"Vian was an outstanding student. She had that wonderful mix of academic ability coupled with an enthusiasm for everything else that school can offer. She was very popular and was involved in a whole range of school activities."
Police are continuing to appeal for information following Sunday's arrests.
Detective Superintendent Jon Holmes said: "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."
Anyone with information can contact police quoting log 0429 of October 3, or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.