Murder squad detectives have started a nationwide hunt for the husband of a former Bradford businesswoman found dead in her detached home.

The body of Rajinder Boughan, 34, was discovered by police who forced entry into the house after they were alerted by a worried friend.

Mrs Boughan, who was educated at Fairfax Upper School and Bradford College, and still has family living in Bradford, had apparently died from asphyxia.

Police launched a murder hunt after the grim discovery at her house in Cliffe Park Crescent, Wortley, Leeds, on Tuesday night.

And they are urgently trying to find her husband Kalbir, 37, who has not been seen since Saturday.

Rajinder was last seen alive late on Saturday night or the early hours of Sunday when she was dropped off at home after attending a pre-arranged function in Birmingham with friends.

A post-mortem examination, carried out yesterday by a Home Office pathologist, did not find any evidence that death was the result of disease or natural causes.

But there is evidence of asphyxia and further tests are being carried out to confirm it.

A detailed forensic examination was ongoing at the house yesterday and police are continuing house-to-house inquiries in the area.

They say it is too early to speculate on a motive.

An incident room has been set up at Pudsey police station.

Detective Superintendent Jim Bancroft, who is leading the investigation, said: "Our inquiries at this stage are focusing on Rajinder's last movements - we want to know what she did over the Bank Holiday weekend.

"We would appeal to anyone who saw her last Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday to contact us immediately. We would also like to hear from anyone who visited her house during this period - they may have information which is vital to the inquiry."

Det Supt Bancroft said police were also trying to trace her husband Kalbir as a matter of urgency.

"We would appeal for Kalbir to contact us immediately as he may have information which is vital to the inquiry. We would also urge anyone who knows where he is to let us know."

Police are examining his mobile phone.

Rajinder had lived at the Wortley address with her husband for the last 14 years.

She ran a dry cleaning business - Simply Clean - with him in Broad Lane, Bramley, Leeds.

Police were called to the house by a concerned friend. When they arrived the property was secure, there were no lights on, the doors were locked and the curtains closed.

Neighbours said they had not seen the occupants for two or three days and no-one has spoken to her husband since the weekend.

The couple owned a number of vehicles, including a Porsche, Range Rover and a van.

Kalbir Boughan is 5ft 10ins, stocky, with short hair in a spiky modern cut and is a casual dresser.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Pudsey CID on (0113) 2144859 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.