MORE than two million viewers tuned in to watch a documentary revealing the heartbreaking story of how an Accrington family were murdered by a selfish father and husband.
The two-part BBC1 documentary, Honour Kills, featured Barry Khanan, the brother of Caneze Riaz who was murdered alongside her four daughters.
Barry, 39, who now lives in Bolton, said he hoped last Thursday’s programme would help raise awareness of domestic violence, something which often remains behind closed doors.
He told the Observer: "The more people that have seen our story the better. We decided to take part in the documentary so as many people as possible could hear what really happened to my family.
"We wanted to put across the truth about what is happening in homes across the whole of the country. We feel that justice has now been done.
"This is not about publicity for us. We have never been paid for taking part in the documentary or for any newspaper articles.
"If just one person watched our story and realised that their marriage is going the same way my sister’s did, then it will not have been in vain. Maybe they will now think about doing something about it before it is too late.
"Hopefully, people will be more willing to speak out about domestic violence as a result of the programme."
Mohammed Riaz poured petrol around his Tremellen Street home and set it alight while his family slept upstairs.
His wife and daughters died in their sleep from smoke inhalation but he suffered horrific burns after apparently walking through the flames.
A post-mortem examination revealed that Mohammed had cirrhosis of the liver and traces of alcohol in his system, despite claiming to be a strict Muslim who never touched a drop of alcohol.
Barry added: "Myself, my mum June and cousin Vicky Entwistle hope that a lot of good comes out of the documentary. There should be no excuse. This was not a so-called honour-killing, just cold-blooded murder."
