Family of restaurant owner killed in carjacking 'devastated beyond belief'

The family of a restaurant owner who was mown down by thieves who had stolen his car say they are "devastated beyond belief''.

Mohammed Islam, 53, from Hyde, Tameside, Greater Manchester, was making a food delivery on Friday evening when the robbery took place.

He was taken from the scene in Romiley, Stockport, to hospital in a critical condition but died on Sunday afternoon.

Mr Islam, also known as Nowab Miah, owned the Marple Spice restaurant in Marple, Stockport.

A 14-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of robbery continues to be questioned.

The stolen silver Mercedes was found abandoned in Watson Street, Denton, on Monday evening, with attempts made to set it on fire.

In a statement, Mr Islam's family said: "Our family cannot begin to describe what losing our father has done to us. The fact he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time and was taken from us so early leaves us devastated beyond belief.

"Dad was everything you could ask for in a parent: a mentor, a role model - our best friend. We shared everything with him and there was nothing we couldn't tell him that he couldn't fix.

"He was extremely loyal and nothing came between him and his family.

"Our mum is overcome with grief. Dad was her life partner, her best friend and her rock. They were inseparable since the day they met and we don't think she will ever be able to move on from this tragedy.

"To our dad, family and the community was everything. He dedicated his time to helping others and he was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. He would give his time and support to anyone who needed it without question, his loss is going to be felt by everybody.

"We as a family have felt overwhelmed and truly humbled by the sheer volume of messages from people everywhere expressing their love and support. It just emphasises how truly special our dad was.

"It's going to take our family quite some time to come to terms with losing our father so suddenly and in such horrific circumstances. We would appreciate our privacy being respected at this time.

"Hold your family members just that little bit closer tonight, appreciate them that little bit more, because one day you never know when that will be your last time.''

Anyone with information about the incident at the junction of Lyme Grove and Hazel Avenue should call 0161 856 9821 or 0161 856 9790, quoting log number 2499 of 08/01/2021, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.