Kulsuma Akter stabbing: Death threats reported days before mother killed

Kulsuma Akter died after she was attacked in Bradford on 6 April

West Yorkshire Police received reports of death threats made against a woman 10 days before she was fatally stabbed in Bradford, according to the police watchdog.

Kulsuma Akter, 27, from Oldham, was attacked while pushing her baby in a pram along Westgate on 6 April.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the force had been alerted to the threats on 28 March.

Habibur Masum, 25, from Burnley, is charged with murdering Ms Akter.

The IOPC said officers had been deployed following the reported threats and a search was carried out, but no suspect was found.

The detail emerged as the IOPC confirmed it had begun an investigation into contact West Yorkshire Police and Greater Manchester Police had with Ms Akter in the weeks before she was killed.

IOPC Regional Director Emily Barry said: "Our thoughts are with Ms Akter's family and friends, who have lost a loved one in tragic circumstances, as well as all those affected by this deeply distressing incident.

"I would like to acknowledge and thank members of the public who were present at the scene and who tried to assist Ms Akter.

"It is only right that a thorough investigation takes place to understand the nature and extent of the police interaction with Ms Akter.

"This will be carried out entirely independently of the police and will consider whether there may have been any missed opportunities to safeguard her in the days and weeks before she died."

Image source, West Yorkshire Police

Habibur Masum, 25, has been charged with the murder of Kalsuma Akter

The watchdog said the evidence reviewed so far indicated information was shared with Greater Manchester Police around the time of the reported death threats.

It said it would examine any alleged breach of bail, the subsequent police response and safeguarding steps taken.

Greater Manchester Police said it would "not be appropriate" to comment on a live investigation.

West Yorkshire Police has also been contacted for comment.

Mr Masum was arrested in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, last week following a three-day manhunt.

He appeared at Bradford Crown Court on 12 April where a provisional trial date was set for 18 November.

Monwara Begum spoke to the BBC from her home in Sylhet in Bangladesh

Ms Akter's mother, Monwara Begum, said last week she was "heartbroken" at her daughter's death.

Speaking from her home in Bangladesh, she said: "I am in shock. She was my youngest daughter and I adored her greatly.

"She looked after me when my eldest daughter was married, and she would get my medicine and do everything for me.

"When she moved to the United Kingdom I was alone, but Kulsuma would call me every day by video. The only day I didn't hear from her was the day she was attacked."

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