Oldham man wanted following 'shocking' murder in Bradford

Detectives investigating the murder of a woman in Bradford have named an Oldham man who is wanted in connection with the offence.  

Police are appealing for members of the public to report any sightings of Habibur Masum, who is 25.

He is wanted in connection with the fatal stabbing of a woman in the Westgate area of Bradford city centre on Saturday afternoon.

The victim and suspect are known to each other.  

He is described as an Asian man, of slim build.

He is pictured (below) 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.

He is believed to also have links to the Burnley and Chester areas.

The victim has now been named as Kulsuma Akter.

Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson, of West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Enquiry Team, said: “We have had significant resources following up a number of lines of enquiry to locate Habibur Masum, but at this time his whereabouts are unknown.

 

“A knife was recovered from the scene of the murder, but we cannot say if Habibur Masum is armed, and I would urge anyone who does see him not to approach him but to call 999 immediately.  

“If anyone has any information about his movements or whereabouts since 3:20pm on Saturday please contact police as a matter of urgency.

“We understand that the murder of a young woman in such shocking circumstances has caused considerable concern in the local community.

"Residents can expect to continue to see a significant police presence in Bradford as we make further enquiries and conduct reassurance patrols in the area.”

Any current sightings of Masum should be reported to West Yorkshire Police via 999.

Any other information that could assist the investigation should be reported via Live Chat online or by calling 101, quoting log 1071 of 6 April. 

Greater Manchester Police are supporting colleagues in West Yorkshire Police with an ongoing murder investigation in Bradford.

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 Kulsuma 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 Kulsuma Akter, Greater Manchester Police has made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.”

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