Eight people expected to face trial over Rochdale man's murder in Sri Lanka

Eight suspects accused in the case of Khuram Shaikh, 32, from Milnrow, a British Red Cross worker murdered in Sri Lanka, will shortly face trial 19 months after his death.

The Island newspaper has reported that the accused will be "shortly indicted" and would be charged on 10 counts, including murder.

The development follows pressure from Simon Danczuk, the family's MP, who has recently had high-level meetings in Sri Lanka to raise the subject during which, he said, he was given assurances the case would go to trial.

Eight people, including a prominent local politician, were arrested and bailed in November.

Mr Danczuk said: "I welcome the fact that the Sri Lankan authorities have indicated they are about to charge those suspected of Khuram's murder. But we have been here before with promises of justice being delivered swiftly and 19 months has passed without any progress. So we will wait before the charges are made. We have had plenty of warm words of encouragement. But the family and everyone associated with the campaign just want to see action."