In a tragic turn of events, 27-year-old Kulsuma Akter was fatally stabbed in Bradford’s city centre while shopping with her five-month-old son on Saturday. West Yorkshire Police have launched a manhunt for 25-year-old Habibur Masum, who is suspected of the murder and was on bail for assaulting and threatening to kill Akter.
The attack occurred in the Westgate area of Bradford, where Akter suffered multiple stab wounds and later died in the hospital. Her child was fortunately unharmed. Masum, who had previously been conditionally bailed by Manchester Magistrates’ Court despite objections from prosecutors, now finds himself the focal point of a significant police operation.
Masum’s bail conditions from the November hearing prohibited contact with Akter and a second individual and restricted his presence at a specified address. He faced charges for threatening to kill Akter on November 24 and assaulting her on November 23, incidents that allegedly took place in Manchester.
In light of Akter’s death, both West Yorkshire Police and Greater Manchester Police have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct watchdog over previous interactions with Masum and Akter.
Assistant Chief Constable Damien Miller of West Yorkshire Police, during a press conference, outlined the efforts to locate Masum, describing him as a slim Asian man last seen wearing distinctive clothing. Masum was captured on CCTV boarding a bus and walking towards Bradford Moor Park, marking the last confirmed sighting.
Authorities have conducted raids in Burnley, Oldham, and Chester, leading to the arrest of a 23-year-old man on suspicion of assisting an offender. The police are urging the public not to approach Masum but to dial 999 immediately if they spot him.
A knife was retrieved from the scene, and while Akter’s baby was unharmed, the community is left reeling from the shock and tragedy of the incident. Greater Manchester Police, echoing the urgency of the situation, has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any information on Masum’s whereabouts directly to the police.
The Prime Minister’s office and the Home Office have expressed their condolences and urged public cooperation with the ongoing police investigation. As the manhunt continues, the area remains under heightened scrutiny, with law enforcement dedicated to capturing Masum and seeking justice for Kulsuma Akter and her family.
