Mother killed as she pushed pram received death threats

A MOTHER who was stabbed to death while pushing her pram in Bradford had received death threats the week before her alleged murder, the police watchdog has said.

Kulsuma Akter, 27, died after being knifed in the afternoon in the city centre on April 6.

Habibur Masum, 25, has been charged with murder. He is due to go on trial in November.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating West Yorkshire Police and Greater Manchester Police over their previous contact with Ms Akter in the weeks before she was killed.

Yesterday, the IOPC disclosed that 10 days before the fatal stabbing West Yorkshire Police had received reports of death threats made against Ms Akter.

Officers had been deployed following the reports but made no arrests or found any suspects.

“Evidence we have reviewed so far indicates information was shared with GMP around this time and our investigation will include looking at what was known about any alleged breach of bail, and the subsequent police response, including what steps were taken to safeguard her,” the IOPC said in a statement.

Emily Barry, the IOPC regional director, 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.”

West Yorkshire Police said that it would “not be appropriate” to comment on a live investigation.

Mr Masum, of Burnley, was also charged with possession of a bladed article.

At Bradford Crown Court earlier this month, Judge Jonathan Rose set a provisional trial date of Nov 18.