Police step up their search for missing Bradford woman
Image by SWNS
After growing concerns over the disappearance of a Bradford woman, the police are reported to have made several arrests relating to the incident.
20-year-old Somaiya Begum was last seen at her home address on Binnie Street in Barkerend but vanished on Saturday afternoon at around 2pm. It has been more than a week since she was disappeared.
As a result, the police have stepped up their search operations cordoning off industrial units and searching shipping containers. None of the members of the community have seen her or been in contact with her for days.
Concerned neighbours spoke about how worried they were about the young woman. A 30-year-old man living in Binnie Street told Yorkshire Live in an interview, “As a resident of the street I am praying she is still alive and safe. From those I have spoken to, they are all praying for her to be safe. All the local residents hope she is safe and is found.”
Another resident, George Fraser, 86, said, “I spoke to police this morning – they are still treating it as a missing person. The people here keep themselves to themselves. There is a lot of forensic activity judging by all the white suits, gloves and overalls.”
Begum is described as an Asian female, slim build with black hair. Before her disappearance she was wearing black denim jeans, a black top and a black head scarf.
The police are carrying out extensive search operations and enquiries with the members from the area as well as the rest of the district in a desperate attempt to find her.
Officers have appealed to members of the public to come forward if they have any information on Somaiya’s disappearance.
Detective Chief Inspector Marc Bowes, of West Yorkshire Police, said, “Over the past couple of days there have been extensive police enquiries across Bradford to find Somaiya.”
“We are extremely concerned for Somaiya’s welfare, her disappearance is completely out of character.”
“Specialist search officers, neighbourhood police patrols, drones, and dogs have all been used in the investigation.”
“Officers continue to trawl CCTV, conduct house to house enquiries and have spoken to several people in the area.”
“Somaiya’s disappearance remains unexplained at this time.”
“I would like to appeal to the community and to anyone who might know where Somaiya is or who has any information which might assist our investigation to come forward.”
“We are also seeking anyone that may have any dash cam or CCTV footage available, in and around the area of Binnie Street or on Thornbury Road, on Saturday to come forward.”
“I would like to reassure the community that we are doing everything we can to find Somaiya and the investigation is very much ongoing,” he added.
Information can be given to police via the live chat options at westyorkshire.police.uk/contactus or 101 or in an emergency 999 quoting log 764 of June 26.
Information can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.