Two police forces are being investigated over contact they had with a mother who was stabbed to death as she pushed her baby in a pram.

Habibur Masum, 25, is charged with murdering Kulsuma Akter, 27, who was attacked in Bradford on April 6.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct's (IOPC's) investigation follows referrals from West Yorkshire Police (WYP) and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) after the death of Ms Akter, who was from Oldham, in Westgate, Bradford.

A national manhunt was launched in the search for Masum and who was wanted in connection with Ms Akter’s death.

Masum, of Leamington Avenue, Burnley, was subsequently charged with her murder after he was arrested in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, following a four-day manhunt.

He is also charged with possession of a bladed article.

At Bradford Crown Court earlier this month, Judge Jonathan Rose set a provisional trial date of November 18, with a time estimate of two weeks.

The IOPC has been told that WYP were contacted on March 28 this year, 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.

Evidence indicates that information was shared with GMP around this time and the IOPC has said its investigation will look at what was known about any alleged breach of bail, and the subsequent police response, including what steps were taken to safeguard her.

The investigation will also look at 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 Regional Director Emily Barry said: “Our thoughts are 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. I would like to acknowledge and thank members of the public who were present at the scene and who tried to assist Ms Akter.

“It is only right that a thorough investigation takes place to understand the nature and extent of the police interaction with Ms Akter.

“This will be carried out entirely independently of the police and will consider whether there may have been any missed opportunities to safeguard her in the days and weeks before she died.

“We have met with Ms Akter’s family members to explain our role and update them on our investigation. We will continue to update them as our investigation continues.”

Ms Akter's cousin paid tribute to her saying: “She was very caring, humble, she had (a) good personality. She used to make people laugh. She was a wonderful lady.