Wanted man may have fled UK from Heathrow Airport after woman and girls found dead at home

Police believe he had fled the UK via Heathrow Airport over the weekend and are appealing for any infomation

A man wanted in connection with the deaths of a woman and two girls may have fled the UK from Heathrow Airport, police believe.

There is a major police manhunt for Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma after the bodies of Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were found dead in a large detached house in Bedford on Monday (July 6).

Bedfordshire Police believe Zandile, Natalie and Nala were murdered, and a suspect has been identified as 45-year-old Tshuma, who goes by the name of Mark. The force has issued a CCTV image of Tshuma, who is believed to have left the country for Zimbabwe via Heathrow Airport on Saturday, using a British passport.

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. 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.”

At least four police cars were parked outside the property on Tuesday evening. The property’s driveway was cordoned off, and bunches of flowers were laid on a hedge outside the house.

A woman who was among five people who laid flowers outside the house on Tuesday, tearfully told the press: “We’re really sorry to lose her. She was such a gracious mother.”

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, expressed shock that the incident took place in “such a nice and safe area”. Around a two-minute walk from the house is The Bedford, an abandoned golf clubhouse, and the area of grass close to the property appears to have been part of a golf course.