THE police watchdog has issued a statement after Kulsuma Akter was fatally stabbed in Bradford.

Ms 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.

A 23-year-old man arrested in Cheshire on suspicion of assisting an offender remains in police custody.

Yesterday, West Yorkshire Police confirmed it had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over "previous contact" with Ms Akter.

Greater Manchester Police said it had also referred itself to the IOPC over "previous contact" with Ms Akter and Masum.

West Yorkshire Police had previously confirmed the couple were known to each other, although no further details have been given about their relationship.

An IOPC spokesperson said this morning: "We have received referrals from West Yorkshire Police and Greater Manchester Police in relation to prior contact the forces had with a woman who was fatally stabbed in the Westgate area of Bradford on Saturday afternoon. 

"We are assessing the available information to determine whether an investigation into that contact may be required and if so, who should conduct that investigation. 

"Our thoughts are with the woman and her family and friends and all those affected by her tragic death."

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.

Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson, of West Yorkshire Police's homicide and major enquiry team, said this morning: "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.

"We would like to thank Thames Valley Police for their support and assistance in this matter," she added.

A force spokesperson said: "Members of the public and the media are thanked for widely sharing appeals for information in relation to Kulsuma's death."