[17 JAN 01] CRIMES, FIRES & ACCIDENTS
Car Attack Link Probed In Murder Hunt

Detectives conducting a murder hunt after a Coventry woman was killed in an arson attack have issued more information in an attempt to get witnesses.

Nasreen Akhtar died from the effects of smoke inhalation after the fire at her house in Queen Mary’s Road at midnight last Tuesday. Her daughters, aged four and 18 months were also injured, and are slowly recovering in hospital.

After running forensic tests police said the fire had been caused by arsonists, and launched a murder hunt.

Roadblocks were set up in the area near the house last night to try and jog people’s memories.

They are now investigating two attacks carried out on cars owned by the dead woman’s husband in case there is a link.

A white Mercedes van had four tyres punctured, and a black Mercedes car had two tyres damaged in Caldicote Road, Radford in the first week of the year. The husband was in Pakistan at the time.

DCI Andy Hunter, who is leading the inquiry said:

“In relation to the damage of the vehicles we would like to hear from anyone in the area who had similar damage to their vehicle or anyone who has in information about the attack on the vehicles.”

He renewed his plea for four youths seen outside the house shortly before the fire was discovered to come forward. It is not known whether they were male or female.

DCI Hunter said:

“We need these youths to come forward as possible witness. We need to speak to them and eliminate them if they are not involved.”

SEE [12 JAN 00] YOUTHS SOUGHT IN COVENTRY MURDER HUNT