Mysterious business dealings could be the key to the “brutal and calculated” murder of Bradford dad Amjad Hussain.

Family man Mr Hussain, 31, worked evenings at the Four Seasons pizza restaurant in Burley-in-Wharfedale.

But Detective Superintendent Paul Taylor, who is leading the murder investigation, yesterday revealed police had uncovered business dealings Mr Hussain had when he was not at the restaurant.

Det Supt Taylor said: “Some of those business dealings are shrouded in mystery and we need to know more about them, and need to know whether those business dealings are the motive for the murder.”

Mr Hussain, who was married to primary school teacher Saima and has a nine-year-old son, was found dead in the living room of his home in Rylstone Gardens, Undercliffe, on Thursday, January 12.

His body was discovered by firefighters, alerted by neighbours to a blaze at the house.

Det Supt Taylor yesterday said Mr Hussain had died of “horrific” neck injuries, probably caused by a heavy bladed instrument. He added: “I am satisfied that the fire was set by the murderers trying to cover their tracks and destroy evidence.

“Amjad was murdered in a particularly brutal and calculated fashion and we need to get the person responsible off the streets as soon as possible.

“The answer to this murder lies in the Asian community in Bradford. People within that community will know why Amjad died.”

Police have ruled out claims by Mr Hussain’s family he could have been murdered in a botched raid for gold.

An appeal for information was broadcast in Urdu by an Asian officer yesterday and phone lines are being staffed round the clock by officers speaking in Pakistani dialects, including Mirpuri, the district of Pakistan where Mr Hussain was from.

Information can be given in confidence to Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111. The specialist line manned by Pakistani speakers is (01924) 334711.