GMP refers itself to the watchdog over previous contact with Bradford stabbing suspect
Habibur Masum from Oldham is wanted after a woman was stabbed to death
Last updated 8th Apr 2024
Greater Manchester Police said it has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over previous contact with Bradford stabbing victim Kulsama Akter and suspect Habibur Masum.
Police were called to Westgate in Bradford city centre at 3.21pm on Saturday after reports of a woman being stabbed by a man who then fled.
Kulsama Akter was attacked as she pushed her baby in a pram, and she later died in hospital. Her baby wasn't harmed.
A police manhunt is continuing for Habibur Masum, 25, from Oldham.
West Yorkshire Police said on Sunday it was appealing for the public to report any sightings of Masum, who has links to the Burnley and Chester areas, saying: "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. A witness also reported seeing him wearing a grey hoody with the hood up."
Detective Superintendent Jude Holmes from GMP Oldham district said:
"We share the shock and concern that our communities feel in the wake of this tragic incident, and our thoughts are with Kulsama Akter's family at this truly distressing time.
"Habibur Masum is wanted by West Yorkshire Police on suspicion of murder. Due to his links to Greater Manchester, we have our specialist officers following several lines of enquiry to locate him. I urge members of the public to remain vigilant, and if you have any information on his whereabouts, call 999 as a matter of urgency.
"Due to previous police contact with Habibur Masum and Kulsama Akter, Greater Manchester Police has made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct."
According to his LinkedIn profile, Masum studied for a masters in marketing and digital marketing at the University of Bedfordshire between 2021 and 2023.
Masum has chronicled his life in the UK, with videos showing him trying on Bangladeshi-made clothes in Primark, travelling to Barcelona, walking in the snow and assembling baby furniture.
Days before the attack he posted a picture of him posing with a woman and baby beneath a sign that reads "love".