Daughter of PC killed 18 years ago learns on Facebook suspect was arrested

15 April 2023 , 20:33

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PC Sharon Beshenivsky was shot and killed while responding to a robbery in 2005 (Image: PA)

Sharon Beshenivsky’s daughter is angry at being kept in the dark about the capture of a suspect in her police officer mum’s death.

Lydia, 21, says she only found out on social media about the arrest of fugitive Piran Ditta Khan.

And she says officials should have kept her informed ahead of Khan’s extradition this week from Pakistan over the killing of Sharon, 38, as she responded to a robbery nearly 18 years ago.

Khan, 74, will appear at the Old Bailey on Monday charged with her murder.

He also faces charges of robbery, two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon.

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Sharon's daughter Lydia found out about the arrest on social media (Matthew Pover)

Sharon was 38 when she died (BRADFORD POLICE/AFP via Getty Im)

Lydia wrote online: “Find it absolutely disgusting that Facebook has found out before me. Hope the family are at peace now. Forever love you Mum.”

PC Beshenivsky was shot while responding to a robbery at a travel agents in Bradford in November 2005.

Six men have previously been convicted of offences related to the murder, which sparked a nationwide debate over police safety.

Piran Ditta Khan has been charged with murder (Daily Mirror/Andy Stenning)

Sharon had been with West Yorkshire Police for just nine months. She previously worked as a community support officer. Colleague PC Teresa Millburn was injured in the raid.

Khan appeared on Thursday at Westminster magistrates court in London, and was remanded in custody. A warrant had been issued for his arrest in Pakistan – where he was detained in 2020.

The Home Office said: “We do not routinely comment on individual cases.”

Saskia Rowlands