Police today named a woman they want to question about a street stabbing which left three people fighting for their lives.

Detectives released this photograph of 19-year-old Saajidah Mullan and urged people to contact them if they know where she is.

Ms Mullan, from Braunstone, is believed to be overseas, although officers think she may have recently returned to the city to visit family and friends.

Ms Mullan, who also has links with the Highfields area, is wanted for questioning about an assault in the city centre last summer.

Billie Hewerdine, her daughter Carlie Winkless and Leona Carr were attacked just before midnight on Friday, August 29, in Belvoir Street.

The women were out celebrating Carlie's 20th birthday.

Three women aged 22 and another aged 23 have been arrested in connection with the incident and released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Detective Inspector Andy Allden, who is leading the investigation, said officers believed Ms Mullan has been out of the country for some time.

However, they are looking into the possibility that she has been back to Leicester to see family and friends for Christmas and new year.

He said: "We know she has links with the Braunstone and Highfields areas of the city and would ask people to take a look at this picture. Do you recognise her? Have you seen her in the area over the past few weeks?

"We would also ask people to think back to New Year's Eve night. Did you see her in the city centre? If so, we would ask you to get in touch with us as soon as possible."

The three injured women spoke to the Mercury a week after the attack.

They said one of Carlie's friends had bumped into a woman they did not know, and the next thing they knew blood was pouring from Carlie's stomach.

Speaking from her hospital bed, Billie, 45, of South Wigston said: "We're never going out in Leicester again. I don't expect to go out with my daughter and her friends for a night and nearly die."

Billie suffered a four-inch cut to her abdomen and a slash to her neck.

Carlie, also from South Wigston, had a seven-inch stab wound in her stomach, with the knife just missing an artery.

She said: "My mate had bumped into a girl by accident and then been punched by one of them.

"There was lot going on. We were going back towards Yates's to pick up my friend's handbag when I seemed to have been punched.

"I walked away and then realised there was blood pouring out of my stomach. It felt like it was burning me.

"I fell into a bouncer's arms and he started screaming for help.

"Then, my mum fell down next to me and the last thing I remember was just lying there."

Leona, a mother of two from Eyres Monsell, was stabbed in the chest and cut on the wrist and spent three days in hospital after the attack.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Gary Rogers, on 0116 222 2222, and follow the instructions to leave a message. When prompted, key in his ID number, 0414.

Information can also be passed on to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.