IOPC concludes investigation into West Yorkshire Police and Greater Manchester Police contact with Kulsuma Akter prior to her death

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has concluded its investigation into contact West Yorkshire Police (WYP) and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) had with Kulsuma Akter in the weeks before she was fatally stabbed in Bradford.

Our investigation followed referrals from both forces after the death of Ms Akter, 27, in the Westgate area of Bradford on Saturday 6 April 2024. Police launched a national manhunt for Habibur Masum, who was wanted in connection with Ms Akter’s tragic death.

Today, Masum was found guilty of murder and an at earlier hearing this month, he pleaded guilty to manslaughter and possession of a bladed article.

We established WYP were contacted on 28 March 2024, when it was reported Ms Akter had received death threats, and officers were deployed. A search was carried out by the officers in attendance but no suspect was found. Our enquiries found that information in the form of an intelligence report was then shared with GMP on 31 March 2024 which detailed concerns Ms Akter had relating to Masum.

Our nine-month investigation, which concluded in December 2024, examined the nature of the police contact with Ms Akter prior to her death, as well as the actions and decision-making of those involved.

IOPC Director Emily Barry said: “Our thoughts remain 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.

“This was a harrowing case which caused widespread understandable concern. It was appropriate we carried out a thorough investigation into the relevant contact between police and Ms Akter. At the end of our investigation, we have concluded that there was no indication any officer or member of staff may have breached police professional standards.

“We have shared our report with both police forces and the coroner to help inform future inquest proceedings. We have informed family members of our initial findings, but in order to not prejudice a future inquest, we won’t be in a position to issue our full findings until its held.”