A WOMAN was with her baby when she was fatally stabbed in Bradford city centre. 

A murder investigation was launched following the attack, which happened on Saturday afternoon.

Police were called to Westgate, at the junction with Drewton Road, at 3.21pm to reports that a woman had been stabbed by a man who then fled the scene. She was taken to hospital and subsequently died of her injuries.

She is yet to be formally identified but is understood to be a 27-year-old woman.

Police have this evening confirmed the victim was with her baby - who was in a pram - at the time. A spokesperson said the child was not harmed. 

Detectives have named a man who is wanted on suspicion of the woman's murder. 

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

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

The victim and suspect are known to each other, said police.

Masum is described as an Asian man, of slim build. He is pictured 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 have links to the Burnley and Chester areas.

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, but DCI Atkinson said: "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."

DCI Atkinson said the "shocking circumstances" of the woman's death have 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," she added. 

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 April 6.