Man arrested in Pakistan for ‘murdering British police officer’

PC Sharon Beshenivsky was fatally shot when responding to a robbery in Bradford in 2005

A man wanted by British police in connection with the murder of Constable Sharon Beshenivsky has been arrested in Pakistan, the West Yorkshire Police announced on Wednesday.

“Piran Ditta Khan, 71, was arrested yesterday (Tuesday) in Pakistan and has appeared at a court in Islamabad today (Wednesday) where matters relating to his extradition were discussed,” the UK police force said in a statement.

Khan was remanded in custody to next appear at the court on January 29.

PC Beshenivsky was fatally shot when responding to a robbery at Universal Travel in Morley Street, Bradford on November 18, 2005.

“I would like to thank the National Crime Agency officers in Pakistan and partners who have made this arrest possible,” Detective Superintendent Mark Swift was quoted as saying in the police statement.

“This is a major development in this long running investigation and their [Pakistan’s] assistance in this matter cannot be understated,” he said.

“We are continuing to liaise with partners in Pakistan to process Khan’s extradition with the intention of returning him to the UK to face court proceedings.”

Six men have previously been convicted and sentenced in relation to the murder of PC Beshenivsky.

PC Beshenivsky’s shift partner, PC Teresa Milburn, was also shot but survived in the incident.

Speaking to BBC, Beshenivsky's husband Paul said he was "glad" at the news of the arrest.

“It's been a long time coming. It's just a matter of getting closure within what happened in 2005,” he said.

West Yorkshire Police had previously said Khan was believed to be on the run in Pakistan and was being sought. A £20,000 reward had been offered for information leading to his capture.

(With additional input from BBC)