Mum-of-five found dead at her home
AWOMAN found dead at her home in Rochdale has been named locally as Ruksana Begum, a mum-of-five.
Her mosque said prayers would be offered in her memory.
A 31-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of her murder was still being questioned in custody today, police confirmed.
Neighbours and elders at Ruksana’s mosque have paid tribute to a ‘lovely person’ who always had a smile on her face and adored her children. Police were called to her home on Clement Royd Street in Spotland, at 1.20pm on Wednesday.
It followed a 999 report that a woman had collapsed there.
A police spokesman said: “Officers attended and discovered the body of a 47-year-old woman.”
The Golden Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre, which is around the corner from the family home on Lower Sheriff Street, said prayers would be said in tribute to her life.
A spokesman said: “She was a really nice lady - well spoken and polite.
“She was a mum-of-five, with three older daughters, one son and a younger daughter. We do not know what has happened.
“She was a lovely woman - always smiling. I never saw her without a smile on her face and she was always looking after her children.
“It has come as a real shock to the area and people are coming to pay their respects at the mosque.”
Neighbours on Clement Royd Street said the woman’s husband and son were in Pakistan.
A neighbour said: “She was a nice, friendly lady. She was always smiling and very happy whenever we saw her.
“It is a big shock because she was such a lovely person and very outgoing.”
It’s understood a postmortem examination will be held on Friday in a bid to determine a cause of death.
Today two police community support officers stood guard at the entrance to the mid-terrace house as investigations continued inside. A small cordon remained in place.
Residents reported a large police presence on the street from around 2pm on Wednesday. Crime scene investigation officers were seen at the door of the home on the cobbled street late into the night.
A GMP statement said: “Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of a woman in Rochdale.
“At about 1.20pm on Wednesday, police received a report that a woman had been found collapsed at a property on Clement Royd Street. Officers attended and discovered the body of a 47-year-old woman.
“A 31-year-old Rochdale man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning.”
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Jamie Daniels of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “A family have been left without their beloved mother, wife and friend as a result of this horrific attack.
“Specially trained officers are supporting the family at this incredibly difficult time and my thoughts are with them and those that knew her in the community as they face this tragic loss.”
“We have worked through the night and although we have one man in custody, it’s really important that have we have as much information as possible, so if you were in the area yesterday and saw or heard anything unusual on Clement Royds Street, please get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 69171 or 101, quoting incident number 902 of 07/02/18. Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity Crimestopppers on 0800 555 111.