West Yorkshire Police have launched an urgent manhunt for a suspect after a 27-year-old woman was stabbed to death in broad daylight on Saturday afternoon. The woman was fatally stabbed in the middle of Bradford city centre in front of horrified members of the public.

Police officers were called to Westgate, at the junction with Drewton, at 3.21pm yesterday over reports a woman was stabbed by a man, who had fled the scene after the attack. He is still on the run. 

The woman was rushed to a nearby hospital but later tragically succumbed to the “significant injuries”.

The victim has not been formally identified, but her family has been informed and is being supported by specially trained officers.

The West Yorkshire Police said the suspect is believed to have been known by the victim.

Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson confirmed that the force had immediately launched a murder investigation and appealed for help from the public.

She appealed for witnesses to come forward and dashcam footage.

Ms Atkinson, from West Yorkshire Police’s homicide and major inquiry team, reassured the public that the police were working to locate and arrest the man responsible.

She said: “This is a shocking incident that has happened in broad daylight in a busy area of Bradford and been witnessed by a number of people

“A young woman has lost her life in the most awful circumstances, and we have extensive inquiries ongoing to locate and arrest the man responsible.

“We understand that this incident will understandably cause concern in the local community, and I would like to reassure the wider public that we are working tirelessly to investigate this horrendous crime and bring the person responsible to justice.

“To help us with this we are urging anyone who was in the area who may have dashcam footage or seen or heard something, however small it may seem, to please come forward.

“A scene remains in place which includes some road closures and I thank the public for their patience while we conduct our inquiries.”

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has any relevant dashcam footage is urged to contact police by Live Chat online or by calling 101, quoting log 1072 of April 6.

Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.