A suspected killer accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend and her mother on a quiet residential street was reported to police over his 'threatening' behaviour.
A major manhunt has been launched for Janbaz Tarin after Raneem Oudeh, 22, and her mother Khaola Saleem, 49, died from stab wounds in the early hours of Monday.
The suspect, 21, was reported to officers by the two women, who have been accused of ignoring their pleas, and West Midlands Police has referred itself to a watchdog.
The force reissued its appeal for help this morning as it revealed that officers had searched several addresses through the night in its hunt for Tarin
Officers are seeking Tarin after the women were found in the street in Solihull, Birmingham, as neighbours reported of hearing blood-curdling screams in the night.
A man was seen rushing away from the scene in a van as the victims, believed to of Syrian descent, bled to death from multiple stab wounds.
Tarin is believed to have recently broken up with Ms Oudeh, who relatives claimed has a 15-month-old son.
A neighbour told The Times: 'The mother told me they were having a bit of bother with her daughter's ex-boyfriend.
'They had recently split up and he kept coming around. They were worried enough to call the police a few times but they weren't taken seriously.'
West Midlands Police confirmed it had been in contact with the family before the incident and it has now referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Witnesses told of confusing the women's screams for the sound of foxes, while first responders desperately asked neighbours for towels to treat the victims.
In a statement, the victims' family said: 'Our family is devastated with the loss of our loved ones.
'We would like to give thanks for all the love and support we have received. We kindly request that our privacy is respected at this difficult time.'
On a public Facebook page, Tarin posted pro-Syrian messages including 'Pray for Syria', and directed followers to a petition in support of Palestine.
There are also several photographs which show him behind the counter of a shop.
Det Insp Caroline Corfield, who is leading the investigation, said: 'We've been working flat out to apprehend Tarin since the early hours of this morning, following up a number of lines of enquiry.
'As we have so far not been able to locate Tarin, I'm now asking for the public's help in tracing him
'If anyone knows where he is or thinks they may have seen him, I'd urge them to ring 999 immediately.
'If there's anyone out there who may be shielding him through a sense of misguided loyalty, they need to be aware that they are committing an offence and will be prosecuted.
'My message to Tarin would be that it's vitally important that we get to speak to you as soon as possible, so please do the right thing and let us know where you are.'
Neighbours thought foxes were wailing after hearing the two women's screams before the victims tragically died just yards from the front door of a terraced house.
Police evidence tents were put up outside a £225,000 terraced home on the street this morning as forensics experts began their investigation.
Teary relatives have visited the scene. It is understood the victims came to the UK from Syria around 16 years ago.
Neighbours said they did not believe the mother and daughter lived in the house outside which the tents have been put up.
They say the two women lived in another house on the street, but ended up outside the home of a neighbour after the attack.
One local resident said she heard screaming and shouting outside late last night.
The woman, who asked not to be named, said: 'I thought it was foxes screaming. She was absolutely screaming her head off.
'The man wasn't speaking English, that's for sure. He shouted something and then ran off.
'There was a lot of screaming and shouting and then I saw a guy run off. About a minute later I saw him leave in a van.'
The neighbour, who said she was 'stunned' by what had happened, said she did not know the victims, adding that 'they kept themselves to themselves'.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: 'Detectives have launched a double murder investigation after a mother and daughter were stabbed to death in a Solihull street this morning.
'Police were called to Northdown Road at just after 12.30am and discovered the women, aged 22 and 49 with serious stab wounds.
'Despite the best efforts of emergency services they were tragically confirmed dead at the scene.'
The spokesman added: 'Police have identified a suspect, who is known to the victims, and are making urgent attempts to arrest him.
'The area has been cordoned off while examinations are carried out and CCTV is being examined.
'Officers are also carrying out house to house enquiries and there will be a visible presence in the area over the coming days to provide community reassurance.'
Det Insp Caroline Corfield, from the force's homicide team, said: 'What has happened this morning is truly devastating and heart-breaking.
'Our thoughts go out to the two victims' family and friends at this traumatic time.
'Tragically there was nothing which could be done to save them and we are working to establish the circumstances behind what happened.
'We are still in the very early stages of our investigation but we believe the offender is known to the victims. We are appealing to him come forward as a matter of urgency.'
Anyone with information has been asked to contact 999.
This article has been adapted from its original source.
