A ‘lively and outgoing’ grandmother who tragically died after being attacked at a train station in an ‘act of senseless violence’ has been pictured for the first time.
Dorothy Chiles – who was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother – died after the attack at Birmingham New Street railway station.
She was taken to hospital in a critical condition after she was assaulted on the concourse of the station at around 11am on November 19 last year, according to the British Transport Police.
She suffered a broken hip and was discharged from hospital, but later died at home on December 27.
Her family touchingly paid tribute to her as a ‘source of endless joy’.
It comes as a woman in her 20s has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
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.
Dorothy Chiles – who was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother – died after the attack at Birmingham New Street railway station
‘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 mum, 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.’
Police confirmed a post-mortem examination had been carried out and Ms Chiles’ cause of death remains under investigation.
But officers are treating it as linked to the reported assault.
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 inquiries.
BTP said officers are still keen to speak with a man who witnessed the incident.
Pictured is Birmingham New Street Station where Dorothy Chiles was assaulted on the concourse
He is described as a tall white man in his early 30s, with a short goatee-style beard.
Police said 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.
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 inquiries.
‘Anyone with information is urged to contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or text 61016 quoting 243 of 19 November.’
Alternatively, members of the public can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
