Pc Sharon Beshenivsky murder suspect, 71, arrested in Pakistan

A MAN wanted by police in connection with the murder of a police office in Yorkshire in 2005 has been arrested in Pakistan.

The man was arrested in relation to the death of Pc Sharon Beshenivsky, who was shot when responding to a robbery at Universal Travel in Morley Street, Bradford on November 18, 2005.

Piran Ditta Khan, 71, was arrested on Tuesday and appeared in court yesterday where matters relating to his extradition were discussed.

He was remanded in custody to next appear at court on Wednesday January 29.

Detective Superintendent Mark Swift, said: “I would like to thank the National Crime Agency

in Pakistan and partners who have made this arrest possible.

“This is a major development in this long running investigation and their assistance in this matter cannot be understated.

“We are continuing to liaise with partners in Pakistan to process Khan’s extradition with the intention of returning him to the UK to face court proceedings.”

Brian Booth, Chairman of West Yorkshire Police Federation, said: “The persistence to capture and bring to justice all those involved in the murder of Pc Sharon Beshenivsky has to be applauded. I know my colleagues within West Yorkshire are delighted to hear about the arrest of Piran Dhitta Khan – and will now be watching closely the wheels of justice turning in this case – and how this plays out.

“The murder of Sharon and the attempted murder of her colleague Pc Teresa Milburn sent a shockwave not only through West Yorkshire but throughout the world. We still mourn the loss of Sharon and I wish to pass on my thanks, on behalf of my West Yorkshire colleagues, to the National Crime Agency in Pakistan for making this arrest possible.”

Three men – including one extradited from Somalia – were convicted of murdering Pc Beshenivsky and two of manslaughter.

Pc Beshenivsky was the seventh female officer to die in the line of duty in England and Wales.