Doctor found dead with daughter ‘went out of her way’ to support 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.

Two men, aged 51 and 56, from Burnley were arrested on Sunday on suspicion of two counts of murder, two counts of rape and one of arson with intent to endanger life.

Following inquiries, the 56-year-old was released without charge on Monday evening, while the 51-year-old remained in police custody.

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 Community College 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: “Dr Sacharvi fitted in well with the team.

“She was approachable, diligent and had formed good working relationships with the team.

“She was empathic and well-liked by the women and families that she worked with.

“Her colleagues described her as very kind, brilliant and a joy to work with.

“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.”

Headteacher of Marsden Heights Community College, Alyson Littlewood, 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. She was extremely supportive of her friends, was generous to all and had a smile that could fill a room.

“We were all very fortunate to have her in our lives and we will miss her on a daily basis.”

Floral tributes continue to be left outside the family home in Colne Road, Reedley, by well-wishers.

One card read: “RIP Gorgeous. You did not deserve this … Thank you for everything you have done for me and made me a better person.

“You’ll always be in my heart. I miss you so much. May you and your mom rest in peace. Love from Sky xxx”

Another unsigned message said: “May some good love come out of this horrendous crime. May people learn tolerance.

“My thoughts and prayers are with you both.

“Stupid, stupid. So sad, bad, wrong.”

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.

“Finally our thoughts remains with Dr Sacharvi and Miss Mangrio’s family and friends at this awful time and we send them our deepest condolences.

“We have a team of detectives dedicated to the investigation and we will leave no stone unturned.”

Anyone with information can contact police quoting log 0429 of October 3, or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.