A Zimbabwean man has been named as a suspect on the run following the death of a mother and her two children in Bedfordshire.
Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage who goes by the name Mark, has been named as the suspect in the murders of his wife and two daughters, Bedfordshire Police confirmed.
Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and his daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were found dead in a property in Great Denham earlier this week, the force added.
On Monday, the three bodies were discovered after officers forced their way into a house in Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham.
Bedfordshire Police suspect the three individuals were murdered.
The force published a CCTV footage of Tshuma, a British citizen, who is believed to have fled the country from Heathrow Airport over the weekend.
He is suspected of running away to Zimbabwe with this British passport on Saturday.
Detective Inspector Lee Martin said: "We have been carrying out numerous lines of inquiry as part of this fast-paced, complex investigation.
"We know that Mark Tshuma left the country on Saturday and is now believed to be in Zimbabwe.
"We are urgently working to find and apprehend him, and would appeal to him directly to hand himself in.
"Mark, unthinkable harm has been caused to those around you, and this has left your relatives and friends utterly devastated. Criminal investigation knows no borders.
"We are actively working with national and international agencies to pursue every available line of inquiry to track you down.
MORE ON CRIME:
"Please do the right thing, come forward and hand yourself in to local authorities.
"Our thoughts are still very much with Zandile, Natalie and Nala, as well as all of those who loved and knew them, at this extremely difficult time."
Around four police cars were spotted outside the property on Tuesday evening, during which time the driveway was cordoned off.
Those paying tribute to the deceased left bunches of flowers on a hedge outside the family home.
One of the people lying flowers said they were "really sorry to lose her", adding: "She was such a gracious mother."
Another unnamed local said they were shocked the incident occurred in "such a nice and safe area".
Earlier in the week, Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy said: “This is a deeply distressing incident in which a mother and her two children are believed to have been murdered.
“While there is nothing to suggest there is any wider risk to the public, we will be increasing the police presence in and around the area to support the investigation and provide reassurance to residents.”
