Penang police chief Azizee Ismail said the weapon was found behind the victims’ home.

“The investigation is ongoing,” Buletin TV3 quoted him as saying, although he declined to elaborate.

Yesterday, pathologist Dr Zahari Noor confirmed that Sariya Che Hin, 51, and her daughter, Nur Afrina Alisha Abdul Rahim, 11, died of neck injuries caused by a sharp weapon, believed to be a meat cleaver.

“Checks also found the injuries on both victims were similar and likely occurred at the same time,” he said.

He said the autopsies also revealed other wounds that showed they tried to defend themselves.

Police detained Sariya’s husband after he reported finding their bodies when he returned home at about 7.30pm on Saturday.

The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.

It is understood that Sariya’s body was found in the ground-floor kitchen, while Afrina’s body was found upstairs.

Azizee also said police are investigating several claims being circulated on social media.

“They are still being investigated. As I have said before, the husband is not a suspect, but was only remanded to assist in the investigation,” he said.

Separately, Sinar Harian reported Azizee as saying that two other men, including a foreign national, have also been arrested to assist in the probe.

“Both are 40 years old and were arrested separately in Bukit Mertajam,” he said, adding that police will apply for their remand tomorrow.