TWO teenagers have appeared in court charged with the murder of Preston jewellers Mohammed and Bilquis Karim.

Christopher Peter Gavin, 18, of Dorman Road, Greenlands, Preston appeared in the town's magistrates court on Monday.

The magistrates adjourned the case until April 7 towards a provisional committal date.

A 16-year-old youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was also remanded, due to appear in court again today (Thursday).

Both are alleged to have committed the offence on Friday March 19.

Two other teenagers arrested in connection with the case have been released without charge, while a 17-year-old girl has been bailed by police after being charged with handling stolen goods.

The couple were found dead in the backroom of their shop, Tony the Jewellers, in Church Street, Preston, on March 19 by their sons Shabir and Shafiq.

Meanwhile police spent last Friday at the scene of the alleged murder, questioning passers-by who may have been in the vicinity on the afternoon of the incident.

DS Mick Dagger said: "We want to talk to people who passed by the shop last week or who were customers. No matter how insignificant their information, we want to know."

The family has offered a substantial reward for information. An incident room has been set up on 01772-203203.

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