Family of four found dead at Bradford home in possible murder-suicide

The bodies of Jitendra Lad, his wife and two teenage daughters were found on Monday

Jatindra Lad, 49, centre, with his wife Daksha, 44, centre right, and their two children, Trisha, 19, left, and Nisha, 16, right (Facebook/Nisha Lad)

Four members of the same family have been found dead at their home in Bradford in a possible murder-suicide.

Police said they are not looking for anyone else in relation to the deaths of Jitendra Lad, 49, his wife, Daksha Lad, 44, and their daughters, 19-year-old Trisha and Nisha, 17.

Mr Lad is believed to have murdered his wife and two teenage daughters before killing himself.

Their bodies were found at about 8.30pm on Monday night in the village of Clayton and may have been there for "some time", according to police.

“Enquiries are at a very early stage, but police are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the enquiry,” a spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said.

“Police have sealed off the area while forensic investigations take place and this is expected to take some time.”

Their causes of death have not been confirmed.

At a police press conference held today outside the home, Detective Superintendent Simon Atkinson said the bodies may have been there for some time.

Police attend the scene in the Clayton area of Bradford, after four people were found dead (PA)

“This is clearly a significant incident and our investigation will be thorough as we piece together the events that have lead to death of a local family," he added.

“It was a concerned neighbour who hadn't seen the family for some time who raised the alarm.

“It is an extremely distressing time for the family and friends. We are trying to get as many answers as to what has happened in the property.”

Tributes to the family poured in on social media as news of the tragedy spread and police were letting friends leave flowers and cards outside the home.

A neighbour, Barry Hawkins, said: “I used to say hello to the mum and dad and I used to see the daughter go to school. I've seen them grow up.

“I've delivered papers up here for 20 years so I know everybody.

“They were a lovely couple and the kids were lovely. Well mannered. They were well respected."

Both girls are thought to have attended Thornton Grammar School in Bradford and a page on its website listing 2013 university entrants shows Trisha went to the University of Leeds to study medical biochemistry.

Jessica Garside, a friend of Trisha, said: “She was so lovely. She always had a bright smile on her face. She was always happy.

“Even when I saw her round school she would always smile and say hello and check I'm all right. I think that was the general gist of the family.”

“I feel numb at the moment - I don't feel like it's happened," she added.

"I still feel like I'm going to go to the bus stop one day and she'll be stood there smiling as ever. it's heartbreaking to know she won't be. It's just horrible.”

Nisha Lad, 17, was found dead at her family home in Bradford (Facebook)

On Twitter, Jessica Lythgow wrote: "Shocked to hear the news about Nisha and Trisha. I feel so lucky to have known such lovely and genuine girls."

Another friend described Nisha as a "smart" student who had "such a bright future".

Their parents both worked for Bradford council.

Councillor David Green, the leader, said: “Local people are shocked and saddened by the news of this terrible event and our sympathy goes out to the wider family, friends and neighbours of this family.

“The husband and wife of the family...both worked for Bradford council and councillors and employees are very upset after hearing the dreadful news of their deaths.

“Obviously, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage as the investigation into how it happened is continuing, but we would urge anyone who may have any information about this tragedy to contact the police immediately.”

Additional reporting by PA