A manhunt for an Afghan asylum seeker is underway after his 16-year-old girlfriend was found stabbed to death in her bedroom by her mother.

The incident happened in Steyr, a city in the Austrian federal state of Upper Austria.

It is believed 17-year-old Saber Akhondzada stabbed the Austrian teenager, identified only as Michelle F., out of jealousy.

According to Michelle's family, there were recurring conflicts between the couple as the boy tried to limit his girlfriend's movements and forbade her from talking to other men.

A manhunt is underway to find Afghan asylum seeker Saber Akhondzada after his 16-year-old girlfriend, identified only as Michelle F. (left), was found stabbed to death in her bedroom

In the evening, the girl's mother went to check on her daughter and her Afghan boyfriend.

She was reportedly unable to open the bedroom door because it was blocked by a cabinet.

When the woman managed to get in to the room, she found the lifeless body of her daughter.

An autopsy showed Michelle died from two stab wounds in her back, with one stab puncturing her lung.

According to the Steyr Police, Akhondzada was no longer in the room when the woman entered having managed to escape through an open window.

Suspect Saber Akhondzada and Michelle F. pictured together. The victim's family said the couple had recurring fights as the Afghan national tried to limit his girlfriend's movements and forbade her from talking to other men

The suspect is described as 5ft 8ins tall, of slim build, with black hair and brown eyes. He reportedly has skin marks on his left cheek, neck and upper lip

The Afghan national lived in a local asylum centre and was said to have an on-and-off relationship with Michelle.

The police have launched a search for Akhondzada, who they suspect has now travelled to the Austrian capital of Vienna.

He is described as 5ft 8ins tall, of slim build, with black hair and brown eyes.

He reportedly has distinctive skin marks on his left cheek, neck and upper lip.

According to local media, the boy arrived in Austria between 2015 and 2016.

He initially lived in Vienna before moving to Steyr after he got to know Michelle through Facebook.