Shafilea Ahmed drank bleach in Pakistan, sister tells court

Schoolgirl Shafilea Ahmed drank bleach during a family trip to Pakistan after her mother told her she would not be returning to the UK, a court heard.

The 17-year-old went missing from her home in Warrington, Cheshire, in 2003 and was found dead six months later.

Her parents Iftikhar, 52, and Farzana Ahmed, 49, are on trial at Chester Crown Court where both deny murder.

Giving evidence, Alesha Ahmed said her elder sister was given marriage proposals while in Pakistan.

There were no actual wedding plans in place, she added.

Speaking from behind a curtain, Ms Ahmed, 23, told the court that during the trip her sister thought she would be kept there and had been unhappy.

She said: "My mum made a remark to Shafilea which I think was what triggered her into drinking bleach.

"She told Shafilea she would be staying in Pakistan and wouldn't be going back."

The witness added: "Shafilea went to the bathroom. Everyone just heard her screaming and shouting.

"We went outside and she was holding her stomach."

The trial continues.