A manhunt is under way for a father after the deaths of his “gracious” wife and two daughters, police have said.
Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, known as Zandile, and Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were found dead in a large detached house in Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, near Bedford, on Monday.
Bedfordshire Police believe they were murdered and a suspect has been identified as 45-year-old Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, who goes by the name of Mark.
The force has issued a CCTV image of Tshuma, a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage, who is believed to have left the country from Heathrow Airport to Zimbabwe on a 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.
“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 could be seen 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’s 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.
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