Man back in court over fatal Leeds stabbing

Twenty-one-year-old Mushammod Asma Begum died on Thursday after being stabbed in the leg in what police called a “domestic-related incident” at a flat on Thorn Crescent, Gipton, on Wednesday.

Aseeb Rahman, 24, was initially arrested on suspicion of wounding on Wednesday, but was yesterday charged with murder following Miss Begum’s death.

During a brief appearance at Leeds Magistrates’ Court yesterday afternoon bearded Rahman, of Ashton Place, Harehills, spoke only to confirm his name.

Flanked by two security guards and wearing a blue sweatshirt and blue trousers, he was remanded in custody to appear at Leeds Crown Court on Monday morning.

He did not enter a plea during the five-minute hearing.

West Yorkshire Police said they had been called to Thorn Crescent on Wednesday evening.

A spokesman said: “At 10.40pm on Wednesday, police were called to reports of a domestic related incident at a flat on Thorn Crescent in the Gipton area of Leeds.

“The injured female was taken to Leeds General Infirmary with a stab wound to her leg but despite emergency surgery she died in hospital on Thursday evening.”

A weapon had been recovered, the spokesman added.

It is understood Miss Begum’s injury was not initially thought to be life-threatening but that she died from organ failure as a result of severe blood loss because an artery had been severed.

Her family was being supported by specially trained officers yesterday.

One family member wrote on Tweitter: “Please pray for my cousin who passed away in such a tragic way. No-one deserves to be taken in such a way.

She added: “Sleep tight Asma Begum. RIP, I love you very much.”