Source: Redditch Advertiser By David Searle
THE family of a taxi driver murdered in Hopwood has paid tribute to him and urged people to come forward with information to help trace his killer.
Mohammed Arshad, a 36-year-old taxi driver from Selly Oak, was found injured in Wast Hills Lane, Kings Norton, on Wednesday, July 22 and died in hospital the following morning.
A post mortem examination established that he had died from stab wounds to the head.
In a statement released by his wife, family, friends and colleagues today (July 24) Arshad (known by his surname) was described as a loving and caring husband who was devoted to his children.
Paying tribute to him, the family statement said: “He was a man with a big heart who was always there for others. His family, colleagues and the community have suffered a major loss.
“For those close to him the brutal nature of his murder is impossible to comprehend.
“He was deeply loved by his family and many friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”
His wife said that he had few interests outside work and his family, adding: “He could not do enough for his children. They were his number one priority.”
Arshad lived with his wife and three young sons aged eight, six and three.
On the night he was murdered he picked up his sons from his sister-in-law, took them home with supper and then tucked them into bed before saying goodbye to his wife and leaving for work at around 7.15pm.
That was the last time they saw him alive.
Brother-in-law, Mohammed Sheraz Hussain, said that Arshad was a “happy-go-lucky” character who was well respected locally.
As the eldest of his siblings, he described him as a god-fearing, charitable and generous man who had even sent money to friends and family in Pakistan to pay for medical treatment.
Mr Hussain added: “We won’t rest in peace until his killer is caught and we would urge anyone who has any information at all about who might have done this or knows anything that could help the investigation to get in touch with the police.”
After Arshad’s body was found, his blue Ford Galaxy people carrier was discovered abandoned about a mile away in Shannon Road.
Police want to hear from anyone who was in that area between 8.30-9pm on Wednesday, July 22, particularly if they saw a taxi of that description during the evening.
Witnesses or anyone with information should call West Mercia Police on 0300 333 3000 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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