Saima Khan murder: Police given extra 12 hours to question woman

Shortly before 9am on Tuesday a 26-year-old woman from Luton was arrested and taken into custody in connection with the death.

This morning officers were granted an extra 12 hours for questioning, after which they will decide whether to charge or release the woman.

Mother-of-four Saima, 34, was murdered in her home in Overstone Road, Luton, on Monday, May 23.

Officers were called to the scene at 11.30pm by the ambulance service, after Mrs Khan was reportedly found by family members returning from a funeral.

Neighbours claimed that Mrs Khan suffered a stab wound to the neck during a “botched burglary”, but Beds Police said that it has been keeping an open mind on the circumstances of the death.

Police and crime commissioner Kathryn Holloway has spoken to mosque leaders in a bid to “help stop rumours which only fuel fear”.

Following Mrs Khan’s death the 34-year-old’s husband issued a statement in which he spoke of his heartbreak.

It read: “(Saima) has been taken from us at the age of 34 and my children have been deprived of their mother.

“This was a junction in our lives where we intended to watch our children grow, to love them and spend quality time as a family and make memories.

“We have been left with a gap in our lives and we can only pray that she is resting in peace.

“As everyone can appreciate and understand that the circumstances have torn our hearts apart.

“My family and I would like to thank you all for the condolences messages, and support that we have received from family, friends and the local community.”

Mr Khan added: “We understand that this incident has shaken the whole community and we ask that the community is united in this time of need.”