Man extradited from Pakistan to be charged with eight counts of murder

Thursday, 4 October 2018 07:00

A man is to be charged with eight counts of murder in connection with a house fire in Birkby, Huddersfield in 2002, following his extradition from Pakistan.

Shahid Mohammed, aged 36, formerly of Huddersfield, will be formally charged with the murders of five children and three adults, at Leeds Magistrates Court on Thursday 4 October.

He has been extradited back to the United Kingdom by officers from West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, with the support of the National Crime Agency (NCA), the British High Commission in Islamabad, the Crown Prosecution Service and local authorities in Pakistan.

He has been held in prison in Pakistan since he was located and arrested in Rawalpindi on 22 January 2015 following a joint operation between West Yorkshire Police, the NCA and Pakistani authorities and has been flown from Islamabad International Airport back to the UK, where he is detained for court.

Detective Superintendent Nick Wallen of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “This is a significant development in our investigation.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all agencies here in the UK and in Pakistan who have worked tirelessly and supported West Yorkshire Police to ensure that this process has run smoothly to extradite him.

“At the centre of this investigation is the Chisthi family, who lost eight members of their family during the fatal house fire and have shown such dignity since the tragedy occurred in 2002.”

This is just the second extradition from Pakistan in more than 10 years. Mohammed Zubair was extradited from Pakistan in May 2016 and was found guilty of murder at Bradford Crown Court in February 2017.

More from Local and National News

Appeal After Burglary

Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at a property in Bradford.
Have your say and help to build stronger communities in Calderdale

People in Calderdale are being asked to share their thoughts about how they feel connected to their local neighbourhood and the wider Calderdale area
Bradford to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day

Bradford City Hall is to be lit up in red, white, and blue on Thursday 6 June to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
New bridge and new routes now open as project progresses

The new link road on the A629 south of Halifax is now open, as part of work to improve the flow of traffic and make it easier to walk, cycle or take public transport.
City presents Windrush pioneer with prestigious Leeds Award

one of the nation’s last surviving HMT Empire Windrush passengers and the city’s only remaining Caribbean Second World War serviceman received the Leeds Award in a ceremony at the Civic Hall.
More Than 10,000 Arrests Made By Team Dedicated To Reducing Violent Crime

A specialist team working to reduce violent crime has started a New Year by passing a new milestone after making more than 10,000 arrests.
Plate expectations as historic registration could be up for sale

A unique gift exchanged by two former Lord Mayors of Leeds more than 120 years ago could be about to help the city with unprecedented budget challenges.
Calderdale: Celebrating over 350 years of service at Council

Fourteen Calderdale Council employees have been recognised for a combined total of over 350 years of service at an event at Halifax Town Hall on Thursday 26 October.
Activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage sentenced

A group of activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage to a service station on the M25 has been sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (27 October)
Appeal Following Collision and Death of Man in Otley, Leeds

Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Leeds in which a man later died.
Vehicle involved in fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire seized by Bradford Council

A vehicle involved in multiple incidences of fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire has been seized by Bradford Council.
Anti-social behaviour funding boost in Clitheroe, Colne and Darwen

As part of the county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB) Lancashire Constabulary and Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden have announced a further eight areas set to benefit from additional resources to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Lancashire.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm
Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm
The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm