An “irreplaceable” grandmother has tragically passed away after being the victim of a brutal attack at Birmingham New Street station. Dorothy Chiles, 87, was left in a critical state and hospitalised following the assault on the station’s concourse.
Despite being released from hospital, the great-grandmother succumbed to her injuries at home five weeks later. A woman in her 20s is now in custody, arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, British Transport Police have confirmed, reports the Mirror.
In a heartfelt statement shared through the police, Dorothy’s family remembered her as the “lively and outgoing” core of their family who “remained as active as ever” even at 87. “Dorothy was the heart and soul of our family – a lively, outgoing lady whose energy was contagious. At 87, she remained as active as ever, gardening, driving and helping her family. We all adored her,” they expressed last night.
“Tragically, Dorothy was attacked in an act of senseless violence, and though she fought with the same strength she carried through life, her injuries proved too severe.”
“She passed away soon after, leaving behind our family utterly devastated by the loss of our beloved matriarch. Dorothy was more than a mum, grandmother and great-grandmother – she was a best friend, a guiding light and a source of endless joy.”
“Her laughter, wisdom and unwavering love will be deeply missed, but her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who cherished her.”
The assault took place around 11am on November 19 last year, and following Dorothy’s death on Friday December 27, a post-mortem examination was conducted. The investigation into the mother’s death is ongoing, and the woman who was arrested has been released on conditional bail while further inquiries are made.
Initially detained on suspicion of GBH, she has since been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. British Transport Police have stated that they are still eager to speak with a man who witnessed the incident.
He is described as a tall, white man in his early 30s, with a short goatee-style beard. According to police, he was wearing a brown knitted beanie hat, black framed glasses, a black double-breasted wool peacoat, beige chino trousers, dark grey gloves, light grey scarf, black shoes and a black rucksack.
Detective Inspector Ian Wright said: “This is a particularly shocking incident and I’d like to express our sincere condolences to Dorothy’s family who are being supported by officers, and ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.”
“The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and I would continue to urge anyone who witnessed the incident, including the man mentioned, to come forward and assist our inquiries. Anyone with information is urged to contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or text 61016 quoting 243 of November 19.”
Alternatively, members of the public can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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