The Italian national police, Polizia di Stato, has identified a Bangladeshi national as the prime suspect in a triple murder that took place in Rome last night.

The suspect has been named as Shahadat Hossain, born in Bangladesh on 10 May 1983.

In a post on its verified Facebook page, Polizia di Stato said the disclosure was made on the orders of the Prosecutor of the Republic of Rome.

The force has appealed for public assistance in tracing the suspect, asking anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact the Mobile Team of the Rome Questura on 3346903295.

Police have not yet released further details on the circumstances of the killings. Hossain is believed to be at large.

Reports say three members of a Bangladeshi family were stabbed to death in Italy. Around 9pm local time on Friday, the incident took place in the Casalotti district of western Rome. Another family member was seriously injured and taken to the hospital.

The victims hail from Char Kakra Union in Companyganj upazila of Noakhali. They were identified as Kamal Uddin, alias Babul, 39, son of Sirajul Islam; his wife Arju Akter, 38; and their five-year-old daughter Arisha.

Kamal’s 20-year-old son Ayon was wounded in the attack and is being treated in a hospital in Rome.