Murder trial told of revenge arson attack

A COPPICE woman helped to murder a young brother and sister in a revenge arson attack in Oxford almost 17 years ago, a jury has heard.

Fiaz Munshi (38), of Manley Road, denies murdering Anum Khan (eight) and her brother, Majid (15), in August 1997.

Oxford Crown Court heard the fire started at around 3am. Petrol had been squirted through the letter box and ignited. Seven people were in the house at the time.

Anum was found dead in her bedroom and Majid died in hospital after jumping from a bedroom window.

The other five people jumped out of windows and escaped.

The court was told how the blaze was planned by a group, including Munshi, that resented the family over the imprisonment of Amjad Ali Khan for dealing heroin. Khan had also broken off his relationship with Munshi before the blaze.

Five men were convicted of the murders in 1998. Munshi’s sister, Riaz, was later convicted of manslaughter.

Munshi fled to Pakistan before the arrests. The trial continues.