Oldham: Police presence increased as murder suspect arrested

Greater Manchester Police have put more feet on the ground in Oldham and will be visiting residents after 27-year-old Kulsuma Akter was fatally stabbed while pushing her baby in a pram.

A 25-year-old man from Oldham was arrested earlier this morning in connection to the death of Ms Akter.

A spokesperson for the force said: "Following this arrest, we are continuing with increased patrols in the Oldham area, as well as community reassurance visits.

"Anyone with any concerns is encouraged to speak to our local officers.

Flowers at the scene in Bradford city centre (Image: Dave Higgens/PA)

"Our thoughts continue to be with Kulsuma's loved ones at this time."

Ms Akter was stabbed to death in Bradford in broad daylight on Saturday, and the suspect was arrested in the early hours of this morning in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

Due to police having contact with Ms Akter prior to her death, both West Yorkshire Police and Greater Manchester Police have referred themselves to the Independent Office of Police Conduct.

Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson, of West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Enquiry Team, said: “This is a tragic incident in which a mother has lost her life in the most horrific of circumstances.
   
“We understand that this has caused a considerable amount of concern in the local community. Local Neighbourhood Policing teams are patrolling the area conducting reassurance to the community.

The scene in Bradford city centre (Image: Dave Higgens/PA)

“We would like to thank Thames Valley Police for their support and assistance in this matter.”

Anyone with any information is urged to report it via Live Chat on West Yorkshire Police's website or by calling 101, quoting log 1071 of 6 April.

Residents wishing to provide information anonymously can do so by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Have you got a story to share? Email joe.yates@newsquest.co.uk and follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @JMYjourno