Family pay tribute to lady who died following incident at New Street Station
87 year-old Dorothy Chiles died just after Christmas
A 87-year-old lady who died following an incident at Birmingham New Street railway station has been named by police, as her family pay tribute to their much-loved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
Dorothy Chiles was taken to hospital in a critical condition after she was assaulted on the concourse of the station at around 11am on Tuesday 19 November. She suffered a broken hip and was discharged from hospital, but sadly died at home on Friday 27 December.
Her family pay tribute to her in a statement released today:
"Dorothy was the heart and soul of our family—a lively, outgoing lady whose energy was contagious. At 87, she remained as active as ever, gardening, driving and helping her family. We all adored her.
"Tragically, Dorothy was attacked in an act of senseless violence, and though she fought with the same strength she carried through life, her injuries proved too severe. She passed away soon after, leaving behind our family utterly devastated by the loss of our beloved matriarch.
"Dorothy was more than a mom, grandmother and great grandmother —she was a best friend, a guiding light, and a source of endless joy. Her laughter, wisdom, and unwavering love will be deeply missed, but her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who cherished her."
A Post Mortem has been carried out and Dorothy's cause of death remains under investigation, but officers are treating it as linked to the reported assault.
A woman in her 20s was arrested on suspicion of GBH following the incident, and has since been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and released on conditional bail pending further enquiries.
Officers are still keen to speak to a man who witnessed the incident. He is described as a tall white man in his early 30's, with a short goatee style beard. He wore a brown knitted beanie hat, black framed glasses, a black double breasted wool peacoat, beige chino trousers, dark grey gloves, light grey scarf, black shoes and black rucksack.
Detective Inspector Ian Wright, said: "This is a particularly shocking incident and I’d like to express our sincere condolences to Dorothy’s family who are being supported by officers, and ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.”
“The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and I would continue to urge anyone who witnessed the incident, including the man mentioned, to come forward and assist our enquiries.
Anyone with information is urged to contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or text 61016 quoting 243 of 19 November.”
Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.