Police have detained a man accused of killing three people, including a husband, his wife and their domestic worker, in Sylhet city.

The suspect, identified as Babul Mia, was detained around 3pm on Wednesday after the killings at a house in the Raynagar Mitali Residential Area.

Police said he admitted to the murders during preliminary questioning.

According to police, Babul had previously worked as a painter at the house and had developed a relationship with the 15-year-old domestic worker, Tahmina Akter.

Police said Babul entered the house around 9am. During an argument with Tahmina, he allegedly attacked her with a knife.

Hearing her screams, the homeowner, Raia Begum, 72, came to the scene and was also attacked.

The homeowner’s husband, Abdus Sattar, 82, then tried to intervene but was allegedly stabbed to death by Babul.

The suspect reportedly fled through the balcony after the killings.

The incident took place at House No. 111 in the residential area. Neighbours alerted police after noticing blood on the second-floor balcony.

Police collected evidence from the scene and sent the three bodies to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital for autopsy.

Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sarwar Murshed Shamim briefed reporters about the case on Wednesday evening.

Police said further investigation is underway.