Mariam Mustafa death: Egyptian student dies weeks after 'racist' attack in Nottingham

Victim: the woman was named in Egyptian media reports as Mariam Mustafa
Robin de Peyer15 March 2018
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A young woman who was left in a coma after an alleged racist attack in the street has died in hospital.

The woman, named as 18-year-old Egyptian student Mariam Mustafa, was said to have been punched repeatedly in the attack in Nottingham almost a month ago.

She died in hospital on Wednesday after the assault on February 20 left her in a coma.

Police said she was set upon after getting on a bus at the scene near the Victoria Centre shopping precinct. She was followed by a group of women, who it is claimed were then threatening and abusive and physically attacked her.

The victim was later taken to the Queen's Medical Centre and placed in an induced coma. She was then transferred to Nottingham City Hospital but died on Wednesday.

Ms Mustafa’s mother reportedly claimed the attack was racially motivated.

The incident has sparked criticism from Egypt’s foreign ministry. On March 2, the ministry urged British police to investigate the case more seriously.

Ms Mustafa's mother is said to have posted a video to Facebook, saying: "Four months ago, two of the same 10 women abused my daughter in the street with no specific reason. We went to the police station and issued an official complaint; however, nothing happened."

A Home Office post-mortem examination is due to take place.

A 17-year-old girl arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm was bailed pending further investigation following the incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Mat Healey, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "Our thoughts are with the woman's family, who we are giving support to at this difficult time.

"Our investigation is ongoing and extensive inquiries have already been completed but we're urging anyone with any information that could help us with our inquiries to get in touch with us as soon as possible.

"We know there were a lot of people standing at the bus stop when the assault happened and we're urging them to please come forward with any information which could help us."

Nottinghamshire Police said they are aware of social media posts claiming the attack was motivated by hate and are "keeping an open mind".

A Home Office post-mortem examination is due to take place. A 17-year-old girl arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm was bailed pending further investigation following the incident.

A statement from the force said: "We would like to reassure the community that we are treating this incident very seriously and we are working hard to establish the circumstances.

"We are also giving support to Mariam's family at this very difficult time."

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