Tributes have been paid to a restaurant owner who died after he was hit by his own car during an alleged robbery while he was making deliveries in Stockport.
Haji Mohammed Heydayatul Islam, known as Nowab Miah, from Hyde, Tameside, was delivering a meal last Friday in the Romiley area when, according to witnesses, he was run over as he tried to stop his car from being taken.
The 53-year-old was taken to hospital in a critical condition and died on Sunday afternoon, police said.
His son, Shaf Nowab, posted on Facebook: “I am saddened to announce that my father, my mentor, my role model … has sadly left this world surrounded by close family.
“Many of you will be aware of the recent incident that occurred in Romiley. My father is the person that it occurred with, he was just doing his last delivery for our restaurant before he went home. I would like to thank everyone in the community for their prayers and regards, and me and my family genuinely appreciate everything you have said.”
Local people have launched a GoFundMe page to raise money for the family and for charity. More than 480 people have made donations totalling £6,500, exceeding a target of £1,000.
A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of robbery after police were called to a report of a road traffic collision just after 9pm on Friday. Detectives are continuing to look for a silver Mercedes that they believe was stolen.
Ch Insp Liam Boden, of Greater Manchester police, said: “This is an extremely tragic case which has rocked the community and left a family utterly devastated. We believe there may have been others involved in the incident and a number of lines of inquiry are continuing to be carried out in order for us to find those responsible.
“We’re still asking the public to come forward with any information that may assist us. Even the smallest bit of information can prove vital. Anyone who may have seen a silver Mercedes in the area at the time or may have seen it in suspicious circumstances since is asked to get in touch.”
