Manhunt launched after Syrian mother and daughter stabbed to death

Janbaz Tarin, 21, is wanted over the murder of Raneem Oudeh, 22, and her 49-year-old mother Khaola Saleem, believed to have arrived in Britain several years ago from Syria.

The mother and daughter were found by police in Northdown Road just after 12.30am (BST).

A number of neighbours had heard the attack – some of whom initially thought the screaming of the two victims was howling foxes or people on a night out. 

Tarin had apparently screamed something inaudible in another language and jumped in a van before he fled the scene, according to an eyewitness.

"I thought it was foxes screaming," the eyewitness said, adding that she was "stunned" at what happened to the neighbours who "kept themselves to themselves".

"She (one of the victims) was absolutely screaming her head off. He wasn't speaking English, that's for sure. He shouted something and then ran off."

"There was a lot of screaming and shouting and then I saw the guy run off. About a minute later I saw him leave in a van."

Ongoing police investigation

Detective Inspector Caroline Corfield of West Midlands Police pledged to Tarin to turn himself in as soon as possible: "My message to Tarin would be that it's vitally important that we get to speak to you as soon as possible, so please do the right thing and let us know where you are."

Corfield urged people to speak up if they knew his whereabouts, saying refusal to disclose any information constitutes a crime.

"If anyone knows where he is or thinks they may have seen him, I'd urge them to ring 999 immediately."

"If there's anyone out there who may be shielding him through a sense of misguided loyalty, they need to be aware that they are committing an offence and will be prosecuted."

Chief Superintendent Bas Javid, Solihull policing commander, expressed his concerns towards the murder.

"Tragedies like this are incredibly rare, but that does not do anything to diminish the awful nature of what has happened in Solihull today," he said.

Tarin, who is believed to be from Afghanistan, reportedly broke up recently from Ms Oudeh.

Police revealed on Tuesday that Ms Oudeh had a two-year-old son - although she did not have him with Tarin - while Ms Saleem had six children.

West Midlands police confirmed they had previously had contact with the victim and her family and that the force had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

The women's family said in a statement: "Our family is devastated with the loss of our loved ones.

"We would like to give thanks for all the love and support we have received. We kindly request that our privacy is respected at this difficult time."

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