Man Charged After Pregnant Woman's Death

A man has been charged after a pregnant woman was stabbed to death in her home.

Saiba Khatoon, 26, was found dead at her home in Kirkholt, Rochdale, just before midnight on Monday.

Siraj Arif, 31, of Armstrong Hurst Close, Smallbridge, Rochdale, has been charged with her murder, police said.

He is due to appear at Bury Magistrates' Court tomorrow.

Arif and Ms Khatoon are understood to have been in a relationship together.

Police were called to her Darlington Road home after the woman's eight-year-old son ran to a neighbour's house to raise the alarm.

A post-mortem examination concluded that Ms Khatoon died from multiple stab
wounds.

Locals have said Ms Khatoon, believed to have been a care worker, was a happy and friendly young mother.

Ms Khatoon had told friends she was delighted to be expecting her second child.

In a tribute released through police, the victim's family said: "Saiba Khatoon 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."

Chief Inspector Mark Bell, of Greater Manchester Police's Rochdale division, said: "A young woman has tragically been killed and we have officers supporting her loved ones at this difficult time.

"I want to reassure the community that a team of detectives has been working tirelessly... and have acted quickly to make an arrest.

"We are very much in the early stages of this investigation but if anyone has any information that could help us I would urge them to get in touch.

"This incident will undoubtedly cause some concern in the local community and there will be extra officers in and around the area today.

"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 is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers , anonymously, on 0800 555 111.