A POWERFUL statement has been issued by Bradford Cathedral after the tragic death of a young mother in the city centre.
Kulsuma Akter, 27, was taken to hospital after being stabbed several times in Westgate at the junction with Drewton Road at 3.20pm on Saturday. She later died from her injuries.
Earlier today, West Yorkshire Police said a 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of her murder.
Officers said the man, from Oldham, was arrested in the early hours of this morning in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.
The Telegraph & Argus understands the man arrested is Habibur Masum, who has been the subject of police appeals since Saturday.
Bradford Cathedral is open between 10am and 4pm all this week, offering anyone affected a space to grieve and also light a candle or say a prayer.
This afternoon, the Reverend Duncan Milwain, assistant curate at Bradford Cathedral, released an emotional statement.
He said: "At the cathedral we have, as have many others, been reflecting on the tragic incident that took place over the weekend.
"We have made the invitation to people to use the space as one to process their feelings.
"There will be mixed emotions at this early stage, of grief, of shock and perhaps anger.
"What we provided today was our usual midday time of prayer within which we reflected specifically on what had happened."
Ms Akter was pushing her baby in a pram at the time of the incident.
The baby is safe and was not harmed, police said.
Rev Milwain added: "This is a terrible circumstance and our thoughts particularly are with the small child who - long after the media focus has died away - will continue to be left without the love of a mother.
"This has caused us to reflect on all young children who - through violence, poverty or war - are left orphaned.
"We have also sought to recognise that this is an isolated incident and does not reflect the Bradford we know and love.
"It is not a place that requires pity, but is a vibrant, youthful, creative place - a city of faiths and a city of hope.
"We will continue to be open to all those who wish to to come and use our space to reflect over the next few days."
Floral tributes have been left at the scene of the tragedy.
Earlier, Bradford West MP Naz Shah visited the location to lay flowers.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article