On-the-run Huddersfield arson killer recaptured

A MAN who killed eight members of the same family in an arson attack in West Yorkshire has been found by police after going on the run from prison.
Shakiel ShazadShakiel Shazad
Shakiel Shazad

Shakiel Shazad, 33, who was sentenced to 18 years in prison in 2003 for his part in the blaze in Huddersfield, escaped yesterday after being released on work licence from prison.

It emerged today that he was found “in a confused state” on a road in Staffordshire the same afternoon and was admitted to hospital.

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A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “At the time he was unable to provide his personal details, but as a result of follow up enquiries, officers confirmed his identity through a fingerprint test.

“He is now being guarded by West Yorkshire officers who have been working with colleagues in Derbyshire.”

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Lisa Griffin, said: “We have now confirmed through finger print checks that a man taken to hospital yesterday evening is Shakeil Shazad and he remains under guard by West Yorkshire Police detectives.

“He will be now be fully assessed for his physical and mental health. Arrangements will also be made to return him to custody in due course.”

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Derbyshire Police revealed that Shazad was “unlawfully at large” after being released from Category D Sudbury Prison, near Uttoxeter, yesterday on a work licence.

Seven members of the Chishti family - Muhammad Ateeq-ur-Rehman, 18, Nefeesa Aziz, 35, Tayyaba Batool, 13, Rabiah Batool, 10, Ateeqa Nawaz, five, Aneesa Nawaz, two, and six-month-old Najeeba Nawaz - died in the fire in May 2002.

Another family member, Zaib-un-Nisa, 54, died in hospital a week later.

Three men - Shazad, Shaied Iqbal and Nasar Hussain - were convicted for their part in the crime. A fourth man, Shaid Mohammed, was arrested by police after the blaze but went on the run and has never been captured.