THE police watchdog has met with the family of a young mother who was fatally stabbed in Bradford city centre and has thanked those who helped her at the scene.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has begun an investigation into the contact West Yorkshire Police and Greater Manchester Police had with 27-year-old Kulsuma Akter in the weeks before she died.

Emergency services rushed to Westgate, at the junction with Drewton Road, at 3.20pm on Saturday, April 6.

Ms Akter had been stabbed several times. She was taken to hospital but later died from her injuries, prompting a murder probe.

She was pushing her baby in a pram at the time of the incident. The baby is safe and was not harmed, police said.

West Yorkshire Police and Greater Manchester Police both subsequently confirmed they had referred themselves to the IOPC as officers had contact with Ms Akter before her death.

IOPC regional director Emily Barry said today: “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.”

Ms Barry said the investigation will be carried out “entirely independent of the police” and added: “We have met with Ms Akter’s family members to explain our role and update them on our investigation.

“We will continue to update them as our investigation continues.”

Habibur Masum, 25, is charged with murdering Ms Akter.

Masum, of Leamington Avenue, Burnley, is also charged with possession of a bladed article.

He appeared at Bradford Crown Court on April 12 via video link from HMP Leeds.

Masum spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.

He was not asked to enter pleas to either of the charges.

Judge Jonathan Rose remanded Masum into custody and set a provisional trial date of November 18 at the same court, with a time estimate of two weeks.

A plea and trial preparation hearing will take place on May 10.

Many tributes have been paid to Ms Akter since her death.

A vigil in her memory will be held in Centenary Square, Bradford, at 3pm on April 27.