A MAN and a woman were arrested today on suspicion of the murder of Shafilea Ahmed, the Warrington girl whose body was found in a river in Cumbria six years ago.
Sources close to the family said the two people arrested were Shafilea’s father, taxi driver Iftikhar Ahmed (pictured, left) and her mother, Farzana.
But Cheshire Police said: “A 50-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman from Warrington were arrested early this morning on suspicion of the murder of Shafilea Ahmed in 2003”
A police spokeswoman indicated that no further information would be released at present.
Police are still investigating an armed robbery at the Ahmed family home in Liverpool Road, Great Sankey last week when, it is claimed, a gang of men broke into the house, tied up members of the family, including her mother, and stole cash and jewellery.
A 24-year-old man from Salford and Shafilea’s 22-year-old sister were arrested and questioned in connection with the incident but later released on police bail.
Shafilea (right) was murdered in 2003 while still a 17-year-old schoolgirl. Her body was found in the River Kent in Cumbria the following year.
No-one has ever been charged with her murder.
In 2004, police arrested eight people – believed to be members of Shafilea’s extended family – on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice. They were eventually released and no charges were ever brought.
Shortly before Christmas that year, Shafilea’s parents were arrested on suspicion of kidnap. They were also never charged – and indicated that they may sue the police.
They strenuously denied any involvement in their daughter’s death or disappearance and subsequently put up a £5,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of their daughter’s killer.
Although the cause of Shafilea’s death has never been established, police are convinced she was murdered.
Sometime before her disappearance, she had been on a holiday to Pakistan where, it is understood, she was introduced to a “suitor” with a view to an arranged marriage.
Subsequently she suffered severe throat injuries after apparently swallowing bleach – possibly as a protest at the marriage plan.
At the time of her disappearance she was still being treated for throat injuries at Warrington Hospital.
Shafilea murder: parents arrested
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
