Four men charged with the double murder of a couple in a house fire have appeared at Preston Crown Court.

Sadek Miah, 23, from the Isle of Dogs, Mohammed Miah, 19, from London, and Habib Iqbal, 25, also from London, all pleaded not guilty to the murder of Abdullah and Aysha Mohammed.

They were remanded in custody ahead of trial, which has now been set for June 28.

The fourth man, Hisamuddin Ibrahim, 20, from East Ham, London, did not enter a plea.

He was also remanded in custody by Judge Anthony Russell QC, Recorder of Preston.

The charges relate to an arson attack on Mr and Mrs Mohammed’s home in London Road, Blackburn, on October 21.

Abdullah Mohammed, 41, died in the blaze and his wife Aysha, 39, died a week later in hospital from her injuries.

Two children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, survived the fire.