Parents held again over daughter's ‘honour killing’

The parents of suspected "honour killing" victim Shafilea Ahmed were arrested today over her murder.

The 17-year-old disappeared from her home in Warrington, Cheshire, in September 2003. Her remains were found in Cumbria five months later.

Father Iftikhar and mother Faranza were initially arrested on suspicion of kidnapping but prosecutors concluded there was insufficient evidence.

Today, a Cheshire Police spokeswoman said: "A 50-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman were arrested early this morning on suspicion of the murder of Shafilea Ahmed." Sources confirmed they were the parents.

The Muslim teenager had refused an arranged marriage, and, during a visit to Pakistan to meet a prospective husband, had drunk bleach, an inquest heard in 2008. Coroner Ian Smith recorded a verdict of unlawful killing and said: "Shafilea was the victim of a very vile murder. I believe she was taken from her home. I do not believe she ran away."

Taxi driver Mr Ahmed and his wife denied any involvement in her death.