POLICE searching for a suspect wanted for the double murder of a mother and daughter in Solihull have arrested a man.
The 21-year-old was detained in Sparkhill on Thursday evening (August 30) and will now be questioned by detectives on suspicion of the murders.
Raneem Oudeh, 22, who had a two-year-old son, and her mother Khaola Saleem, 49, in Northdown Road, were stabbed multiple times around 12.30am on Bank Holiday Monday (August 27).
The police have been hunting for main suspect and Miss Oudeh’s ex-partner Janbaz Tarin – an Afghan national who arrived in the UK on Christmas Day 2012.
Crimestoppers on Tuesday (August 29) put up a £5,000 reward for information that leads to his arrest.
Police say they have been working tirelessly around the clock and have acted swiftly on any information that has come in over the last few days.
Detective inspector Caroline Corfield who is leading the investigation, said: “I would like to thank the community for their support over the last few days, the response to our appeals has been excellent and tonight resulted in this arrest.”
The family have been kept fully updated by this development.
It is believed Miss Oudeh was on the phone to the police when she and her mother were attacked.
Clarifying speculation about the police contact, West Midlands Police said: “There were a number of calls from Miss Oudeh to police on Sunday evening and we tried to physically locate her but were unsuccessful.
“Contact was being made to arrange to see Miss Oudeh and it was during this conversation that the situation quickly escalated and the call handler immediately dispatched officers to the location in Northdown Road where they arrived within minutes.”
The force has said it referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct as it had previous contact with the victims’ family.
A post mortem examination concluded that Miss Oudeh and her mother died from multiple stab wounds.
The women’s family said: “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.”
Syrian-born Raneem Oudeh and her mother attended Solihull College as mature students to improve their English.
Solihull College said: “We are devastated to hear about the tragic passing of two former students. Raneem, who studied with us most recently, was a really motivated, caring and hardworking student who will be greatly missed.
“Her mother Khaola, who studied with us a few years ago, worked hard to improve her English whilst working and raising her family. They will both be remembered fondly. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this very sad time.”
Chief Superintedent Bas Javid, Solihull policing commander, said: “Tragedies like this are incredibly rare, but that does not do anything to diminish the awful nature of what has happened in Solihull
“I’m sure the thoughts of everyone in the borough and beyond will be with the family and friends of Miss Oudeh and Ms Saleem.
“We’ll support them through the difficult times ahead, and will continue to work with the community to provide reassurance and support wherever it’s needed.”
