THE detective who is leading the murder investigation into the death of Nazia Ahmed appealed to mourners for help on the day of her funeral.

Det Superintendent Mick Gradwell spoke at Randal Street Mosque at Friday prayers before the funeral of Nazia, 23, who was stabbed at her home in Shear Bank Road, Blackburn, last Saturday afternoon.

Police are still hunting Nazia's estranged husband Zameer, 26, in connection with the murder.

Det Supt Gradwell said: "They introduced me and let me address them.

"I offered them my condolences and made an appeal for Zameer to come forward and for any help.

"I particularly emphasised that people should check any possible outbuildings that they may have.

"Once they have done that it is fair to assume Zameer has left the area.

"It is an important line of inquiry to make contacts with the community.

"We are now taking our inquiries wider nationally to other large Asian communities."

He said Nazia's 20-year-old sister Shazia, who was injured in the attack, had now left hospital.

Rana Gulistan Khan, a trustee of the mosque, said Nazia's family had worshipped there for about 35 years.

He said: "As a community we are here to help in any way we can.

"As a community we always try to come forward and help as much as we can.

"The family has the community and the mosque's sympathies in this hour of need."

He said Nazia's father sits at the front of the congregation when he attends the mosque.

He said Nazia attended the mosque when she was younger. Zameer is 5ft 10ins and of slim to medium build.

Anyone who has any information about the incident should contact Blackburn police on 01254 51212.