🚨 FAMILY HEARTBROKEN AS THEY FAREWELL “INSEPARABLE” COUPLE FOUND DE-AD — AND WHAT POLICE HAVE SAID HAS LEFT EVERYONE STUNNED…
A FAMILY have paid an emotional tribute to an “inseparable” couple who were found dead in a flat by their carer – as cops question a man in his 40s over the fatal stabbing.
Ismail Ahmed Leli, 80, and Fatima Leli, 78, were pronounced dead at the scene after cops arrived at the address in Blackburn at 8.22am on Monday.
A family have paid tribute to the elderly couple who were killed at their home in BlackburnCredit: Manchester Evening News
Relatives described the couple as “inseparable” and “devoted to one another”Credit: Manchester Evening News
Both of them had sustained devastating stab injuries, prompting cops to launch a murder investigation.
A man in his forties was arrested on the same day and remains in custody for questioning.
Heartbroken family members described the pair as an “inseparable couple” who were “devoted to one another”.
They said in a statement: “On behalf of our entire family, we are heartbroken to share that we have lost our parents, the oldest and most cherished members of our family.
A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioningCredit: Manchester Evening News
Residents said there was a large police presence in the area the morning of the attackCredit: Manchester Evening News
“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.
“Their loss has left a void that words cannot describe, and we are still coming to terms with what has happened.
“At this incredibly difficult time, we wish to express our deepest gratitude to the police for their diligence, professionalism and compassion.
“We are also grateful to our local councillors, to the wider community and St Luke’s and St Phillip’s Church, whose kindness and support have meant a great deal to us.
“In particular we thank Masjid-e-Quwwatul Islam, which has been a source of strength, comfort and practical support to our family throughout.
“We now ask, respectfully, that our family’s privacy be respected, so that we may grieve and mourn in accordance with our faith.
“We would be grateful for the space and understanding of the media and the public during this period.
“We thank everyone for their prayers and condolences.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un — “To Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.”
The street remains cordoned off as the investigation continues and a forensic tent is still outside the property.
Neighbours were shocked to wake up to a large police presence in the area, with officers carrying out door-to-door enquiries.
One resident described the couple as “very private” and said they were members of the local mosque.
A couple, who lived in the next block on the street, said: “When we got up, just after 8am, we looked outside and it was all there then.
“It was a bit of a shock”.
A Lancashire Constabulary spokesperson said at the time: “Our thoughts are with their loved ones at this distressing time.
“We have a dedicated team of officers assigned to this case, carrying out CCTV, house-to-house and forensic enquires in the area.
“There is currently a scene at the property and will remain in place over the coming days.
“You will continue to see an increased police presence in the area, as we conduct enquiries and provide reassurance.
“If you have any information or concerns, please stop one of our officers for a chat.”
SOURCE: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/40314919/family-tribute-couple-dead-cops-question-man-horror-stabbing/