Murder investigation launched in Manchester

Police have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of the bodies of a mother and her three children aged between 5 and 11 at a house in Greater Manchester.

A fifth person living at the address, 36-year old Rahan Arshad, who is believed to have been missing for four weeks, is being sought by police.

The alarm was raised early on Sunday evening following concerns raised by neighbours over the welfare of the occupants of the house in Turves Road in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport.

Detective Superintendent Martin Bottomley, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are keen to trace Rehan Arshad, who we believe is the fifth occupant of the house on Turves Road. His car, a silver BMW 320 Sports Coupe, is also missing and we are appealing to anyone who may have any information regarding Rehan's whereabouts to contact us. The registration of the car is SC 06 HLZ.

"We cannot, at this stage, say how the victims died and formal identification has not yet taken place.

"I would ask anyone who may have seen anything suspicious at the house over the past few weeks to come forward. People may have seen something that they thought was insignificant at the time but which could greatly assist us in our investigation."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the incident room on 0161 856 7834 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Earlier a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said that officers had forced entry to the address, and discovered four bodies, believed to be a woman and three children.

It is believed the bodies may have been there for some time.

The area remained cordoned off today as scene of crime officers examine the scene in the quiet village on the southern edge of Manchester.

(SP)