New leads for police in arson deaths inquiry

Shahid Mohammed has been on the run for 10 years after the deaths of three generations of the Chishti family – the youngest a six-month-old baby – who died when petrol was poured through their letterbox and petrol bombs hurled through a window on May 12, 2002.

Mohammed, now 31, was arrested but skipped bail and may have fled to Pakistan but police say he could have moved on, changed his name and his appearance.

Detectives are now following new lines of enquiry after a 
major day of action saw officers distribute thousands of flyers in Birkby.

They also released a digitally enhanced image of how Mohammed could look nearly a decade later.

Detective Superintendent Lisa Griffin of West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are following a number of new lines of enquiry following the day of action and
I want to thank residents of Huddersfield for the fantastic response we have had so far.

“Responses to our Bluetooth messages and tweets has also been positive and we are now also following up information received in reply to the messages.”

She added: “I want to emphasise again that West Yorkshire Police remain utterly committed to locating Shahid Mohammed and seeking justice for Mr Chishti and his family.”

The family issued an emotional plea earlier this week in a bid to trace Mohammed.

In a statement they said: “Someone, somewhere knows where Shahid Mohammed is at this moment.

“We beg of you to come forward and help the police to bring him to justice.”

In 2003, three Huddersfield men – Shaied Iqbal, Shakiel Shazad Amir and Nazar Hussain, were convicted for their part in the crime.

The motive was thought to have been a desire for revenge against Mohammed Ateeq ur-Rehman, who died in the fire, for something he may have said.

Nazar Hussain has since been released on parole, a decision which angered the Chishti family and their supporters.