The family of an elderly Muslim couple found stabbed to death in their Blackburn home have paid an emotional tribute to their parents, describing them as “inseparable” after more than 60 years of marriage.
Haji Ismail Ahmed Leli and Hajiani Fatima Ismail Leli were found dead with stab injuries at a property on Hardman Street on Monday morning.
Lancashire Police have launched a murder investigation and arrested a man in his 40s on suspicion of murder.
In a statement released following the deaths, the couple’s family said they were “heartbroken” at the loss of their parents, whom they described as the oldest and most cherished members of their family.
“Married and inseparable for over sixty years, they were the very heart of who we are – devoted to one another, and loved by everyone who knew them,” the family said.
“Their loss has left a void that words cannot describe, and we are still coming to terms with what has happened.”
The family thanked police for their “diligence, professionalism and compassion” as well as local councillors and members of the wider Blackburn community who have supported them.
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They gave particular thanks to Masjid-e-Quwwatul Islam, saying the mosque had been “a source of strength, comfort and practical support to our family throughout.”
The family also appealed for privacy to allow them to mourn according to their Islamic faith.
“We now ask, respectfully, that our family’s privacy be respected, so that we may grieve and mourn in accordance with our faith,” they said.
“We thank everyone for their prayers and condolences.”
Murder investigation
Lancashire Police were called by the North West Ambulance Service to the property on Hardman Street at 8.22am on Monday after reports that two people had been found with stab injuries.
Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police subsequently arrested a man in his 40s on suspicion of murder. Detectives have been working to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and a possible motive.
The force said a dedicated team of officers was carrying out CCTV, house-to-house and forensic enquiries and that an increased police presence would remain in the area.
Police have stressed that they do not believe there is a wider threat to the community.
Local residents had earlier told the BBC that the victims were elderly and had lived in the area for many years.
One woman who has lived locally for 17 years said the couple had been in the neighbourhood for a long time, while another resident described the area as normally quiet.
Local councillor Terri Mahmood said the killings had left the family and wider community devastated.
“The community is in shock,” he told the BBC. “The family is deeply, deeply upset. It’s shocking to them. The women are in tears.”
Mahmood urged people not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding the deaths while the police investigation was continuing.
Blackburn MP Adnan Hussain also expressed his condolences, saying his thoughts were with the family and loved ones of the victims.
He urged members of the public not to speculate and asked that the family be given “the privacy and compassion they need to grieve at this incredibly difficult time.”
The Blackburn Muslim Group similarly sought to reassure residents, saying there was “absolutely no cause for concern” to the wider community and appealing for the privacy of those affected to be respected.
Lancashire Police said detectives were continuing to work to establish a motive for the deaths but added: “We don’t believe there is a wider threat to the community.”
Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam, mobile phone or doorbell footage that could assist the investigation has been asked to contact Lancashire Police on 101, quoting log 0252 of September 7.
