Tributes paid to murdered shopkeeper

Reporter

Monday 2 July 2012

DEVASTATED relatives of a murdered shopkeeper last night paid tribute to him as a "wonderful father and husband" as police continue the hunt for his killer.

CORDONED OFF: The grocer's shop where Mr Ali was attacked.

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REBECCA GRAY

Javaid Ali, 48, lost his fight for life in hospital on Friday, two weeks after he was stabbed in the neck at his grocery shop in Paisley, Renfrewshire.

Last night the family and friends of Mr Ali, who had three children, gathered at his home in nearby Barrhead. In a statement, they said: "Javaid was a wonderful father and husband and a great friend to many.

"He was a great provider for his family and everyone who knows him would describe him as an exceptional hard-worker, who had great warmth in his heart for those less fortunate."He was loved by his friends and family because he was simply just a very nice guy. His loss is devastating for us and it will take a very long time for us to accept it. "It is the nature of his death that is so traumatic for us to deal with. We would urge people with any kind of information to come forward and speak to the police."At this time we'd also ask for all to respect the privacy of our family."Mr Ali was attacked on June 15 at his shop in Paisley's Green Road and was treated in the nearby Royal Alexandra Hospital, where he died.Bouquets were left outside the shop yesterday. Attached to one was the message: "Taken too soon. Thank you for everything. Rest in peace." Another read: "You were a lovely man."Mr Ali's store, Sunshine Grocers, remained cordoned off yesterday as police continued their investigations.A large blue-and-white tent has been put up outside the shop in the quiet residential street.Police are looking at leads gathered in a stop-and-interview operation last Friday, when more than 160 people provided information to officers.Detectives are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area around the time of attack, particularly between Fulbar Road and Lounsdale Road on the Elderslie-to-Paisley cycle path.Detective Chief Inspector Duncan Sloan, who is leading the murder inquiry, said: "Our thoughts are with Mr Ali's family at this very difficult time. "I would like to address the local community directly, as I believe the answers to this horrific crime, which has robbed a family of a loving husband, father, brother and son, lie within the local community."I have previously appealed for specific people to come forward and I would like to reiterate this appeal as these people have not yet made contact with police."Extra officers are to patrol the area to reassure local people.Police have been carrying out door-to-door inquiries and questioning passers-by at the scene of the attack. Officers want to trace potentially crucial witnesses, including a woman driver who stopped her car outside the shop shortly after the attack.She is described as being in her 30s, with short brown hair.Detectives also want to speak to a man seen walking away from the store carrying bread at around 3pm, and another woman, aged about 18, who was wearing an apron and carrying Aldi shopping bags.Anyone with any information is asked to contact the incident room on 0141 435 1022.Meanwhile, a man is fighting for his life after being found unconscious in a lane in Paisley.The 43-year-old, who had been in the Turf Tavern, was found lying in Marshall's Lane shortly after midnight yesterday.He was taken by ambulance to the Royal Alexandra Hospital, where he is being treated for a head injury. Hospital staff said he was in a critical condition and police have launched an appeal for information about what happened to him.

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Tributes paid to murdered shopkeeper

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