"an extremely tragic case which has rocked the community"
Police have arrested a 14-year-old boy on suspicion of murdering a restaurant boss following a bungled carjacking.
This comes after another 14-year-old boy was charged after Mohammed Islam was run over with his own car on January 8, 2021, in Stockport as he was making a food delivery.
Mr Islam was taken to hospital but died two days later.
His Mercedes was allegedly driven off and was later found dumped five miles away on January 11.
Attempts had been made to set the car alight. The car has since been subject to forensic examination.
Following the arrest of a second boy, Chief Inspector Liam Boden said:
“This was a tragic incident and my thoughts remain with Mohammed’s family and friends as they try to come to terms with their devastating loss.
“Whilst we have made a further arrest, this investigation is still ongoing and I would urge anyone with information about what happened to get in touch with police as soon as you can.”
The first arrested boy was charged with murder, causing death by dangerous driving and having no insurance or licence.
He was remanded to secure accommodation pending an appearance before a judge at Manchester Crown Court.
DCI Boden had said: “As our investigation continues I would like to pay tribute to Mohammed’s family who have shown such admirable bravery and dignity this week during the most tragic of circumstances imaginable.
“They and the local community have responded stoically in the last few days and we are doing all we can to support Mohammed’s loved ones with specialist officers at this awful time.
“Our priority is to ensure they get the answers they are undoubtedly owed and we urge anyone with information or footage relating this incident to submit to our portal or to contact us via phone so we can ensure we ascertain the full details of this incident.”
He added: “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 enquiry 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 who may have seen it in suspicious circumstances since is asked to get in touch.
“We’re also keen for anyone with any CCTV or dash-cam footage to get in touch.”
Relatives of Mr Islam, who owned the Marple Spice Indian restaurant, 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.”
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