'Cherished' grandmother died after assault

Dorothy Chiles is pictured smiling sat down in a chair. She has short curly brown hair and is wearing a purple flower long sleeved top.
Image source, British Transport Police
Image caption,

A woman in her 20s was arrested on suspicion of GBH following the incident

  • Published

Tributes have been paid to a grandmother who was the "heart and soul" of her family after she died following an assault.

Dorothy Chiles was taken to hospital in a critical condition after she was attacked at Birmingham New Street railway station on 19 November.

The 87-year-old suffered a broken hip and died at home on 27 December.

A woman in her 20s was arrested on suspicion of GBH and on suspicion of manslaughter and released on conditional bail pending further enquiries.

In a statement, her family described her as a "lively, outgoing lady whose energy was contagious".

A post mortem has been carried out and Ms Chiles' cause of death remains under investigation, but officers are treating it as linked to the reported assault.

"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," her family said.

"[She] 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."

British Transport Police are keen to speak to a man who witnessed the incident. He is described as a tall white man in his early 30's, with a short goatee style beard.

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