A FUGITIVE wanted for Huddersfield’s most appalling murder case could be back in the UK.

Detectives believe Shahid Mohammed may have slipped back into the country – seven years after it is thought he fled to Pakistan

Police now want help to find the man wanted for the murders of eight people in a Birkby arson attack.

Mohammed went on the run while on bail in connection with the horrific house fire in Osborne Road that killed eight members of the same family – including five children – on May 12, 2002.

Three people survived the petrol-bomb attack in the early hours.

Mohammed, who will now be 26, was arrested during the initial phases of the murder investigation and detained by police.

He was later released on bail pending further enquiries but he has never answered that bail and has not been located since.

It is thought he fled to Pakistan.

Muhammad Ateeq-ur-Rehman, 18, Nefessa Aziz, 35, Tayyaba Batool, 13, Rabia Batool, 10, Ateeqa Nawaz 5, Aneesa Nawaz, 2, and six-month-old Najeeba Nawaz all died instantly in the fire. Zaib-un-Nisa, 54, died in hospital a week later on Sunday, May 19, of her injuries.

Det Chief Insp John Halstead, who is leading the investigation, believes that someone holds the key to Mohammed’s whereabouts.

“Information we have previously received has indicated that Shahid Mohammed could have been living in Pakistan.

“However, we have had information to suggest that he may have been back to the UK assuming a different identity.

“Unfortunately, we have had nothing to substantiate these claims and no evidence to support it. We know he had strong links with London, Birmingham, and Leicester.

“If indeed, Shahid Mohammed has been back in this country or has been in any other country, then we need to know about it.

“I would particularly appeal to the friends and relatives of Shahid Mohammed. If you know where he is or hold any information which could help the police in their investigations, then please call us immediately.

“It has been seven years, seven years that the Chisti family have had to live with the trauma of this incident.

“They still cannot come to terms with what has happened and I would ask those who have information to examine their conscience.

“Do not conceal information from the police; you cannot live with this on your mind forever and I would suggest you do the right thing and come forward.

“End the suffering for the Chisti family. Even the smallest piece of information could help to take this forward.”

Three men were convicted of killing the family members in a blaze that ripped through the terrace house.

Shaied Iqbal, of Thornton Lodge, was convicted of eight counts of murder and ordered to serve at least 22 years in jail. Shahiel Shazad and Nazar Hussain, both of Crosland Moor, were convicted of eight counts of manslaughter and jailed for life.

The court heard how the attack was a bid to frighten teenager

Muhammad Ateeq-ur-Rehman, who was due to give evidence in a kidnap case in Newcastle.

Anyone who can help is urged to contact police anonymously though Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by calling 0845 6060606.