By BBC NEws

UNITED KINGDOM: Police have released a CCTV image of a murder suspect believed to have killed his wife and his two daughters before fleeing the UK.

The bodies of Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were found after police forced entry to a house in Bedford on Monday after reports the family had not been seen for several days.

Bedfordshire Police is seeking Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, also known as Mark, who left the country via Heathrow Airport on a British passport on Saturday.

Detective Inspector Lee Martin, senior investigating officer, said: “We have been carrying out numerous lines of enquiry 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 enquiry 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.”

The house’s drive has been cordoned off and bunches of flowers have been laid on a hedge outside.

Early morning dog walkers spoke of their shock at the news.

Jess Roland said: “My husband shared it with me yesterday when I was at work and it completely took me aback.

“I actually almost wanted to fact check it to see if it was true because it just doesn’t seem like something that would happen here – but obviously it could happen to anybody.”

Her husband Tim said it was “just incredibly shocking and just really sad”.

Brian Cheyne said: “It’s absolutely shocking, especially the two young children.

“It’s been about three or four days before it was found out – absolutely horrific.

“It’s a nice area, [a] quiet area. My wife and some of the people around here are just very much surprised.”

Laura Watson-Smith described Great Denham as a quiet and friendly village.

“Everyone’s very shocked and it’s incredibly sad and scary to hear that something like that has happened in the village,” she said.

Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy had previously said it was “a deeply distressing incident in which a mother and her two children are believed to have been murdered”.

The force said there was nothing to suggest there was any wider risk to the public, but it would be increasing patrols in the area.

Those with information about the incident, or who saw any suspicious activity in the area on Friday or Saturday, have been asked to contact Bedfordshire Police, external.

Formal identification of the victims has not yet taken place.