City girl 'starved to death'

May 21 2008 By Emma Cullwick

A MAN and a woman have been charged with starving a seven-year-old Birmingham girl to death.

Angela Gordon and Junaid Abuhamza, believed to be the mother and step-father of Kyrah Ishaq, were arrested after police were called to an address in Leyton Road, Handsworth.

It is thought officers discovered Kyrah in a seriously ill condition at the property. She was rushed to hospital, where she later died.

Abuhamza, 29, and Gordon, 33, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Monday following their arrest at around 5.50am on Saturday.

Both were charged with causing or allowing Kyrah’s death.

The case was adjourned and the couple are now due to appear before Birmingham Crown Court on next Wednesday.

A Birmingham Mail source said today: "The girl was apparently starved to death by her mum and step-dad.

"She also has five other siblings who had to be taken to hospital."

A West Midlands Police spokesman today confirmed the incident and said officers were working with the social services department at Birmingham City Council.

A council spokesman added: "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 enquiry and the council is fully supporting their investigation. As a result we are unable to make any further comment."