THE brother of murder victim Nazia Ahmed has made an emotional appeal for her suspected killer to give himself up.

Police are hunting estranged husband Zameer Ahmed after Nazia, 23, was stabbed to death and her sister Shazia was seriously injured at their home in Shear Bank Road, Blackburn, last Saturday.

Officers believe the suspect has left Blackburn but not the UK.

Waseem Ahmed, 24, said: "On behalf of my family I am here to express the feelings of grief and devastation that we are still feeling after the events of last Saturday.

"Nothing can bring my sister Nazia back but thankfully my sister Shazia is making a good recovery and we are all hopeful that she will be home with us soon."

Waseem, accompanied by three relatives and family friends, said: "I now wish to speak directly to my brother-in-law Zameer. I appeal to you Zameer to help us and yourself by contacting either us the family or the police.

"I also appeal to anyone who has information of any kind to come forward."

The brother had flown to Pakistan on the afternoon of murder but returned home after being told of the attack on landing.

The detective leading the investigation labelled the murder a "vicious and violent and cowardly" attack.

Det Supt Mick Gradwell said officers spent about five hours taking a full statement from 20-year-old Shazia on Wednesday.

Although he did not want to reveal what she said, Det Sup Gradwell said: "I can just confirm that we are seeking Zameer in connection with this incident."

Shazia, who was stabbed in the left hand and lower back, had not been told her sister was dead until Wednesday on the advice of doctors.

Det Supt Gradwell said: "She was obviously aware that her sister had been injured in the attack but she was unaware she had died."

And he revealed the suspected murder weapon, an eight-inch kitchen knife, was found in a neighbour's garden.

He also said Zameer, 26, and Nazia had made moves towards a reconciliation of their 2002 arranged marriage, which lasted about 18 months.

Police believe a reconciliation attempt by Zameer may have led to the attack, which happened shortly after he arrived at the house.

He said there were indications the stabbing had been "spontaneous."

Det Supt Gradwell said: "Arrangements were being made to probably move into a house together and it looks like there have been constant attempts to try and mend the relationship."

Detectives now believed Zameer had left Blackburn but not the UK.

Det Supt Gradwell said: "We came up with two considerations.

"One is maybe that he's harmed himself and we are looking for a body and that may be one reason why no-one's come forward with a sighting of him.

"Or the more worrying aspect which we think we have got is someone is actually helping him".

He said anyone harbouring Zameer was committing a criminal offence and turning them in would count in their favour.