A 46-year-old man has been charged with murder following the deaths of an elderly Blackburn couple described by relatives as “inseparable”.
Haji Ismail Ahmed Leli, 80, and his wife, Hajiyani Fatima Ismail Leli, 78, were discovered with multiple stab wounds by their carer at about 8.20am on Monday at their terraced home in Blackburn.
Both were pronounced dead at the property.
Police arrested a man in his 40s later that day on suspicion of murder. He was taken into custody.
Lancashire Police have since charged Yasin Leli, 46, of Hardman Street, Blackburn, with two counts of murder.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Blackburn Magistrates’ Court today.
In a tribute issued on Tuesday, the family said: “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.
“Married and inseparable for more than 60 years, they were the very heart of who we are – devoted to one another, loved by everyone who knew them.
“Their loss 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.”
Police and forensics at the scene in Blackburn, where an elderly couple were found stabbed to death in their home
They added: ‘We are also grateful to our local councillors and to the wider community, whose kindness and support have meant a great deal to us.’
The statement continued: ‘In particular, we thank Masjide Quwwatal Islam, which has been our 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.’
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On Tuesday, the street remained cordoned off with a forensic tent in front of the house, while officers scoured the area.
Neighbours woke up to a large police presence with detectives carrying out door-to-door enquiries.
One couple, who live in the next block of Hardman 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.’
Terence, who has lived on the road for 30 years, said police had allowed him inside his home after returning from work to discover a crime scene had been put in place.
He said: ‘It used to be quiet round here but it’s not anymore.’
Another resident said the couple who lived in the property were elderly and were members of the nearby mosque. He described them as ‘very private’.
In a statement issued on today, Lancashire Constabulary said: ‘Our officers were called at 8.22am on Monday to an address in Hardman Street, to a report two people had been found with stab injuries.
‘Very sadly, Ismail Ahmed Leli, 80, and Fatma Leli, 78, were pronounced deceased at the scene.
‘Our thoughts remain very much with their loved ones at this distressing time.
‘The cause of death was multiple stab wounds.
‘An investigation was launched and following enquiries, a man in his 40s was arrested on Monday afternoon on suspicion of murder and taken into custody.
‘Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Yasin Leli, 46, of Hardman Street, Blackburn, has been charged with two offences of murder.
‘He has been remanded in custody to appear at Blackburn Magistrates Court today, September 11.
‘We ask that the family’s privacy be respected by the media and public as they mourn Ismail and Fatma.’