Man quizzed over mother's murder

The son of a businesswoman was being questioned today on suspicion of murdering her after she was allegedly stabbed to death following rumours of an affair.

Assia Shahzad, 40, was found with fatal injuries at the £600,000 family home in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

Her son, Usman, was being held in custody after being arrested at the scene along with a 16-year-old boy.

Neighbours told reporters that Mrs Shahzad's husband, Rashad, 45, moved out earlier this year after claims she had been seeing other men.

Police investigating possible motives for the alleged murder dismissed suggestions that it was an "honour killing" but said it related to a "domestic dispute".

Raj Khan, a local councillor who grew up with Mrs Shahzad, said: "It's a horrific, nightmare event. The community is drowned with upset. We are horrified at what has happened.

"This has been a great loss for the family, for her friends, for everybody.

"It's a scenario which one always reads or hears about on the news but you never expect it on your doorstep."

He said Mrs Shahzad, who has lived at the address for around six years, was the director of a travel firm.

Mr Khan said he went with members of Mrs Shahzad's family to speak to officers at a local police station.

"It was just to give moral support," he said. "It's a dreadful time."

Mrs Shahzad was discovered on Saturday night at the detached six-bedroom property in Wendover Road, Aylesbury.

Detective Chief Inspector Vince Grey, from Thames Valley Police, said: "Our investigation is still in its early stages.

"However, we believe this was not a random attack and that both the suspects and victims are known to one another."

Mrs Shahzad was taken to Stoke Mandeville Hospital with serious injuries but died shortly after 8pm.

A post-mortem examination was being carried out at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

Mr Grey added: "I have been made aware that there are rumours circulating that this was a so-called 'honour killing'.

"I would like to categorically state that we do not believe this to be the case but that we are dealing with a domestic dispute.

"For legal reasons, I cannot say any more about the motives for the murder at this point."