Mum fatally stabbed in street 'received death threats days before'

Kulsuma Akter 27, was stabbed in Bradford city centre on Saturday, April 6. The mum, from Oldham, died as a result of her injuries.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) how now launched an investigation into contact Greater Manchester Police and West Yorkshire Police had with Ms Akter 'in the weeks before the stabbing'. The watchdog said West Yorkshire Police had been contacted on March 28 when it was reported she had 'received death threats'.

READ NEXT: Nursery manager accused of manslaughter of baby girl sang 'stop whinging' before tragedy, jury told

Officers were deployed and a search was carried out but 'no suspect was found', an IOPC spokesperson added. They added that 'information had been shared with GMP around this time'.

A probe will now look into 'what was known about any alleged breach of bail, and the subsequent police response, including what steps were taken to safeguard her'. Referrals had been made to the watchdog by both forces in the wake of Ms Akter's death.

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.

"We have met with Ms Akter's family members to explain our role and update them on our investigation. We will continue to update them as our investigation continues."

Habibur Masum, 25, has been charged with Ms Akter's murder. Masum, of Leamington Avenue, Burnley, is also charged with possession of a bladed article.

A provisional trial date has ben set at Bradford Crown Court for November 18.

Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features.

Read more of today's top stories here

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.