Update following search for remains of Rania Alayed in Thirsk

Officers searching for the body of murder victim Rania Alayed have discovered human remains in Thirsk.

In June 2014, Rania’s husband Ahmed Al-Khatib, from Gorton, was found guilty of her murder and sentenced to life with a minimum of 20 years imprisonment. 

Her body was sadly never recovered and multiple searches have taken place in the years since then.

Yesterday (Tuesday 25 February), after receiving new information, officers from GMP located buried human remains by the A19 in Thirsk, where they had been operating since Monday.

While no official identification has taken place, we strongly suspect the remains are that of Rania. Her family have been informed of the latest development and are being supported by specially trained officers. They remain at the forefront of our minds.

A scene will remain in place for the coming days as further work is carried out by specialist officers.

Rania’s son, Yazan, speaking on behalf of their family, said: “The discovery of my mother’s remains more than a decade onwards has come as a surreal surprise to me and my family.

“At last, being able to provide a final resting place is all we have wanted for the last 11 years, to have the ability to lay down a few flowers for my mother is more than I can ask for from this world.”

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Higginson, from Greater Manchester Police’s Major Incident Team, said: “More than a decade after her murder, we now strongly believe we have located Rania’s body and are finally able to provide closure to her family, who we know have endured so much pain and grief over the years.

“Rania’s family have always been kept informed following our searches over the last few years, and we are providing them updates as we get them following this most recent development.

“Her murder was utterly horrific and not knowing where her body is has inflicted further pain to all those who knew her. I hope that we are now able to finally reunite her with her family, where she belongs, so that they can give her a proper resting place.”