'A source of endless joy': Family pay tribute to great-grandmother who died after assault at Birmingham New Street station
A great-grandmother who was assaulted at Birmingham New Street station and later died has been named by police as her heartbroken family pay tribute to their "guiding light".
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Dorothy Chiles was taken to hospital in a critical condition after she was assaulted on the concourse of the railway station at around 11am on November 19, 2024.
The 87-year-old suffered a broken hip and was discharged from hospital, but died at home on December 27.
A Post Mortem has been carried out and Dorothy's cause of death remains under investigation, but officers are treating it as linked to the reported assault, a British Transport Police spokesperson said.
In a statement issued by the force, her family said: "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.
"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 mom, 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."
A woman in her 20s was arrested on suspicion of GBH following the incident and has since been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and released on conditional bail pending further police enquiries.
Detectives launched an appeal earlier this week to speak to a man who witnessed the assault.
He is described as being a tall white man in his early 30's, with a short goatee style beard.
He wore 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 black rucksack.
British Transport Police 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 enquiries.
"Anyone with information is urged to contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or text 61016 quoting 243 of November 19."
Alternatively, people can speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
