An elderly married couple, Haji Ismail Ahmed Leli, 80, and Hajiyani Fatima Ismail Leli, 78, were found stabbed to death at their home in Blackburn, Lancashire, sparking a murder investigation. A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody, while police work to establish a motive; they have said there is no wider threat to the community. The couple's family paid tribute, describing them as "inseparable" after more than 60 years of marriage.

Police were called by the North West Ambulance Service on Monday morning to Hardman Street after the pair, believed to have been found by their carers, were discovered with stab injuries and pronounced dead at the scene. The victims have not yet been formally identified and a Home Office post-mortem is due to take place. The family, describing them as devoted and cherished, thanked police, local councillors, the community and their mosque, Masjide Quwwatal Islam, for their support, and asked for privacy to grieve according to their faith. Neighbours described the couple as private and long-standing residents, while forensic teams continued examining the cordoned-off street.