Birmingham case: Couple charged after girl dies

By Mithran Samuel on May 22, 2008 in Child safeguarding

A Birmingham couple have been charged with causing or allowing the death of seven-year-old Khyra Ishaq, who died after being taken to hospital on Saturday.

Angela Gordon, 33, and Junaid Abuhamza, 29, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, on Monday and have been remanded in custody. They will face a crown court hearing on 28 May.

The cause of Khyra’s death has not been confirmed. Press reports today have said that Gordon and Abuhamza are her mother and step-father.

A Birmingham Council spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened by the death of this child and our sympathies go to the child’s family and friends at this difficult time. This death is now the subject of a police inquiry and Birmingham Council are fully supporting their investigation. We are therefore unable to make any further comment.”