An elderly Blackburn couple who were found stabbed to death at their home have been remembered by their family as “married and inseparable” for more than 60 years.
Haji Ismail Ahmed Leli, 80, and his wife, Hajiyani Fatima Ismail Leli, 78, were discovered with stab injuries at their terraced house in Hardman Street on Monday, 7 September. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Lancashire Police said officers were called by the North West Ambulance Service at 8.22am after the couple were found by carers. A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.
In a family statement issued on Tuesday, their relatives said the couple were “the oldest and most cherished members of our family” and “the very heart of who we are”.
“Married and inseparable for more than 60 years, they were the very heart of who we are – devoted to one another, loved by everyone who knew them,” the family said.
They added that their deaths had “left a void that words cannot describe” and thanked police for their “diligence, professionalism and compassion”. The family also expressed gratitude to local councillors, the wider community and Masjide Quwwatal Islam for their support.
Relatives asked for privacy while they mourned in accordance with their faith, adding: “We would be grateful for the space and understanding of the media and the public during this period.”
Blackburn murder investigation
A police cordon remained in place around the property on Tuesday, with a forensic tent outside the house as detectives carried out searches and door-to-door inquiries.
Residents described their shock at waking to a large police presence on the normally quiet street. One neighbour said the scene had been “a bit of a shock”, while another described the couple as private members of a nearby mosque.
Lancashire Constabulary said the investigation remained at an early stage as officers worked to establish what happened and identify a possible motive. The force said it did not believe there was any wider threat to the community.
Detectives are appealing for anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious around Hardman Street on Sunday night or Monday morning to come forward. Officers are also seeking CCTV, dashcam, mobile phone or doorbell footage.
Information can be given to Lancashire Police on 101, quoting log 0252 of 7 September 2026.
