A PENSIONER has been arrested on suspicion of murder after his wife died in their family bungalow in a leafy residential street.

The Argus understands Abdul Khaliq Qureshi, 75, was being quizzed by police yesterday after his wife, Memona Hashimalvi, died on Wednesday night in their home in Tredcroft Road, Hove.

Paramedics were called to the property, reportedly worth almost £600,000, at about 10pm and found the 67-year-old woman in need of “urgent treatment” but she died at the scene, police said.

Detectives from the Surrey and Sussex major crime team have launched an investigation into the death.

The property was cordoned off and under police guard yesterday.

Neighbours expressed their shock at the incident and referred to the family as private, quiet and pleasant.

Some said Mrs Hashimalvi was known to walk along the road every day with her shopping trolley, greeting neighbours as she passed.

Dan Unsworth, of Tredcroft Road, said: “We heard some noises last night like cars coming and going but weren’t sure what it was.

“I am just really surprised this happened. They were always really nice and would give our daughter Christmas presents.”

Michele Todaro, also of Tredcroft Road, said emergency services spent some time at the property before sealing off the area.

The couple are thought to have lived in the neighbourhood for more than a decade with their children. Daughter Shaheen Khaliq works at AK & Co Accountancy Services, also known as Dynamix, a company in Victoria Terrace, Hove, owned by Mr Quershi and where Mrs Hashimalvi is also listed as a director.

Mr Quershi is understood to be a trustee and company secretary of the Brighton Mosque and Muslim Community Centre in Dyke Road, and a prominent community figure.

Fellow centre trustee and director Abubaker Deghayes, who knows the family well, said he was unable to comment until more details were confirmed.

Imam Shaikh Mohamed Toulba said Mr Qureshi was a “prominent and active member of the community”, who was known by a “great number of people”.

A police spokesman said: “A post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death is due to take place today and the coroner has been informed.

“A 75-year-old Hove man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody.”

Anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious or who has information which may be of help is asked to call 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk, quoting Operation Chidden.

Staff at AK & Co Accountancy Services declined to comment when contacted by The Argus yesterday.