Murder probe detectives yesterday stepped up the hunt for a 21-year-old man wanted in connection with the killing of his wife, who was the mother of their two-month-old daughter.

Officers are working with police forces across the country and the UK Border Agency to find Danish Irfan, 21, after the body of mum-of-one Ridda Zanab was found in an upstairs bedroom at their home on Alford Terrace, Lidget Green, early on Monday.

Detective Superintendent Mark Ridley, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said Ifran has not been seen in Bradford since Sunday afternoon, when it is believed he travelled to Manchester.

At a press conference yesterday, Det Supt Ridley issued an urgent appeal to establish his whereabouts – as he confirmed a post-mortem examination carried out on Monday revealed Mrs Zanab died of head injuries.

“The main focus of our inquiry is to trace and speak to him in connection with the death of his wife,” he said.

“He could be anywhere in the UK, but I am mindful that he may well be intending to leave the country.

“We are working with police officers up and down the country and the UK Border Agency to try and ascertain his whereabouts.

“I would appeal to anyone who has seen Danish Irfan since Sunday afternoon, or has spoken to him, to contact us, and if he sees this appeal himself I would urge him to contact his nearest police station so we can speak to him.”

Officers found Mrs Zanab’s body at 3.25am when they forced entry to the couple’s home after a call expressing concern for one of the occupants.

The mum, who married Irfan last year and has family in Bradford, was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Det Supt Ridley said he would not answer questions about what weapon had been used or if their daughter had been at the property at the time.

However, he confirmed the baby was “fine” and was being looked after by family.

He added that there are 40 officers working on the case, which he described as a “major inquiry”.

Irfan is described as Asian, between 5ft 9ins and 5ft 10ins, of slim build. His hair is now shorter than in the picture provided and his sideburns are more pointed.

Police have urged anyone who sees him not to approach him, but to ring 999 immediately.

Anyone with information should call police on 101, or 999 in an emergency, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.