THE family of a pregnant woman who was found stabbed to death in her Rochdale home have paid tribute to her. The body of mum-of-one Saiba Khatoon who was pregnant with her second child was discovered by police at her house on Darlington Road, Kirkholt just before midnight on Monday 7 May.
A post mortem examination concluded that the 26-year-old died from multiple stab wounds.
Greater Manchester Police said they were working to establish the circumstances surrounding Ms Khatoon’s death.
One of eight children, Ms Khatoon worked as a community support worker helping vulnerable adults and children with various disabilities.
Today her distraught family paid tribute to her saying “she did not deserve to die in such terrible circumstances.”
“Saiba married in 2003 and her son was born in 2005. She was always smiling, was a very happy person and loved practicing her faith,” the family said in a statement.
“She was pregnant with her second child and was looking forward to becoming a mother again. She planned to name her baby after her sister who had passed away from illness some six years earlier.
“Saiba is much loved and will always be remembered by her friends and family. We have lost the best mum in the world, the best daughter, sister and friend a person could ever have.
“She was one of the kindest people you would ever wish to know and always went out of her way to help others. She did not deserve to die in such terrible circumstances.
“The world was a better place with you in it and we will miss you terribly. Until we meet again, my mother, my daughter, my sister, my friend, rest in peace.”
Police are continuing to question a 30-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder shortly before 5am on Tuesday 8 May.
Detective Chief Inspector David Warren from the Major Incident Team said: “Our thoughts are with Saiba’s family and friends at this time, who are understandably distraught that their loved one has been taken from them in this way.
“We are in the early stages of the investigation and are working to establish the full circumstances of what has happened.
“I would like to reassure residents that we do not believe there is any danger to the wider community, as we believe this is an isolated incident. If any residents want to raise any concerns or pass on information I would encourage them to come and talk to us.”
Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 8531 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.