Manhunt as mum pushing her baby stabbed to death
A MANHUNT was under way last night after a woman was stabbed to death while pushing her baby son in a buggy along a busy city street.
Police said that they want to trace Oldham man Habibur Masum in connection with the Saturday afternoon attack in Bradford.
West Yorkshire Police launched a murder inquiry and appealed for any sightings of Masum, who has links to the Burnley and Chester areas.
A spokesman said: “He is described as an Asian man, of slim build. He is pictured on CCTV wearing a duffle coat with three large horizontal lines of grey, white and black; light blue or grey tracksuit bottoms with a small black emblem on the left pocket and maroon trainers.”
They added: “A witness also reported seeing him wearing a grey hoodie with the hood up.”
The woman, thought to be 27, was with her five-month-old boy when she was stabbed several times in the neck, said a witness who went to help her.
She died in hospital soon afterwards. Geo Khan, 69, runs a fruit and veg store where the so-far unidentified woman was a weekly customer. He said: “I heard screams and ran out.
“I saw that lady was lying face down on the pavement next to a pushchair with her five-month-old baby. She was wearing black leggings, a flowery top and a headscarf. I turned her over.
“There was a lot of blood and I checked for a pulse, but couldn’t find one. I could see the knife wounds to her neck and I tried to do CPR. Her friend, who had gone into theWestgate International Food store when the attack happened was screaming.
“A doctor was passing in a car and stopped to help. He picked up a pulse and I got a sheet to put over her until the ambulance came.”
Forensics staff continued to check the scene for evidence yesterday.
Det Chief Insp Stacey Atkinson, of West Yorkshire Police’s homicide and major inquiry team, said: “We have had significant resources following up a number of lines of enquiry to locate Habibur Masum but at this time his whereabouts are unknown.
“A knife was recovered from the scene of the murder.” Police warned the public not to approach Habibur Masum but to call 999 immediately.
DCI Atkinson went on: “If anyone has any information about his movements or whereabouts since 3.20pm on Saturday please contact police as a matter of urgency.
“We understand that the murder of a young woman in such shocking circumstances has caused considerable concern in the local community.
“Residents can expect to continue to see a significant police presence in Bradford as we make further inquiries and conduct reassurance patrols.”
Witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage are urged to contact police by Live Chat online or by calling 101, quoting log 1072 of April 6.
Useful information can also be passed on anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by ringing 0800 555111.