Detectives investigating the disappearance of a married couple said yesterday they hoped to encourage them to come forward by releasing a photograph of their three-year-old daughter.
Kafil Ahmed, 29, and his 21-year-old wife Laily Begum were reported missing from their home in Simmonds Place, Darlaston, Walsall, by family members last Friday.
West Midlands Police said officers were becoming increasingly concerned for the safety of Laily Begum as "strong evidence" had been found of a serious attack having taken place.
Blood samples were taken from the address by forensic investigators, who also examined the couple's car, which was found in the Lozells area of Birmingham on Saturday.
A police spokesman said it was not known at this stage whether the blood belonged to Laily Begum.
The couple's daughter Samihia Sultana is staying with her grandparents and is said to be missing her mother.
Detective Inspector Sarbjit Johal, from Bloxwich CID, appealed to members of the Bengali community, in particular, to come forward with any information as to the couple's whereabouts.
He said: "We believe that Mr Ahmed has been employed in the Balti restaurant trade in the past and we appeal to anyone in the trade who may have information to contact us.
"Samihia is desperately missing her mother, she is being looked after by her grandparents who take care of her most of the time but we are hoping that by releasing this picture that someone will come forward with information."
Kafil is described as Asian, 5ft 8ins, slim, clean shaven with black short curly hair and brown eyes.
Laily is described as Asian, 5ft 5ins, slim, with brown eyes and straight long black hair.
