Bus queue theory in death probe

Aug 18 2005 By Mark Cowan & Anna Jeys, Evening Mail

TRAGIC young mum Tracey Cullum may have been attacked because she told a group of 'hoodies' off for jumping a bus queue, police revealed today.

Tracey, aged 30, was floored by a single punch as she waited for a bus with her 12-year-old son, Ashley, in Birmingham city centre six weeks ago.

She unexpectedly died on Friday of a blood clot to the heart. Police believe her death is linked to the earlier attack and have now launched a hunt for the gang of four to five youths.

Det Chief Insp Jan Thomas-West, from Steelhouse Lane police, said: "This is such a tragic case, it beggars belief.

"The incident may have surrounded issues about getting on to the bus. This makes it even more tragic.

"Whoever did this clearly didn't anticipate the consequences.

"From our inquiries only one person was involved in the assault. We would appeal to the good nature of the other people to come forward for the family."

Tracey had spent the day in Birmingham city centre with Ashley, three other children and a female friend and were on their way home when the incident happened.

They were waiting for the number 26 bus in Colmore Row when she was hit and fell to the ground, suffering a broken ankle and facial injuries.

Tracey's grief-stricken partner Mark Holliday, a 37-yearold engineer, had lived with her in Selly Oak for the past five years.