Police investigate disappearance of 20-year-old woman, find body and arrest 52-year-old man again for murder
- Somaiya Begum was last seen on Binnie Street, Bradford, on Saturday 25th June
- She was known for frequenting the campuses of Barkerend and Leeds Beckett University
- This morning, police announced they had found a body and re-arrested a man
A student who went missing 14 days ago has been found dead in a woods in an industrial estate by detectives – who have now re-arrested a 52-year-old man on suspicion of murdering her.
Somaiya Begum, 20, was last seen at her home where she lived with her grandmother and uncle in Bradford, West Yorkshire, around 2pm on Saturday, June 25.
She was reported missing the next day, triggering a massive search.
West Yorkshire Police arrested a man, two other men and a woman and they had been released on bail pending further investigation.
This morning, police said they had re-arrested a 52-year-old man on suspicion of murder.
Initially, police and forensic officers were seen in an industrial area bordered by a number of shipping containers.
Ms Begum’s body was found at another estate at 7:35 PM last night.
A spokesman for the West Yorkshire Police said: ‘Detectives investigating the disappearance of Somaiya Begum from Bradford have found a body.
Somaiya Begum was last seen on Binnie Street, Bradford, on June 25 before disappearing
Her disappearance sparked a massive police hunt and forensic officers were seen at locations
On June 30, a tent was set up in an industrial estate that was searched, but she was not found there
“An extensive investigation has been conducted since she was reported missing to find her on June 26, and officers would like to thank the community for their assistance with the ongoing investigation.
“Last night at 7:35 pm a body was found near Fitzwilliam Street, Bradford.
“While forensics is underway, a scene is present. While formal identification has yet to take place, Somaiya’s family has been notified.
“A 52-year-old man has been re-arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody.”
Forensic officers and sniffer dogs had been on the scene in Binnie Street to collect evidence
Police had described Ms Begum as Asian, of slim build with black hair, and said she was wearing black jeans, a black top and a black headscarf before disappearing.
She was known for the Barkerend area of Bradford and Leeds Beckett University campus, where she was believed to be a student.
At the time, Chief Inspector Marc Bowes had said: ‘In recent days, extensive police searches have been conducted across Bradford to find Somaiya.
“We are deeply concerned for Somaiya’s well-being, her disappearance is totally inappropriate.
‘Specialized investigative officers, neighborhood police patrols, drones and dogs were deployed during the investigation.
“Agents continue to search cameras, conduct door-to-door searches and have spoken to several people in the area.
Somaiya’s disappearance remains unexplained at this time.
“I would like to appeal to the community and anyone who knows where Somaiya is or who has information that could help our investigation come forward.”