"It is a huge loss for us all"
Tributes have been paid to a well-respected grandfather who was killed in a hit-and-run in Digbeth, Birmingham.
Father-of-four Ghulam Nabi, of Alum Rock, died when he was hit by a car at around 11 am on August 29, 2021.
A Ford Focus was later seized by police but it is believed no arrests have yet been made.
The 61-year-old grandfather-of-one was well-respected in his community. His death has led to an outpouring of condolences.
In a statement, Mr Nabi’s family said:
“As a family, we are really shocked with the sudden death of our father.
“He was a well known and very liked personality in Alum Rock and the city having lived in Alum Rock for most of his life.
“During the last 27 years, he was a bus driver with National Express driving a variety of routes around the city. He thoroughly enjoyed his job.
“He prayed the morning prayer at the local masjid on Bowyer Road and told his mother he will be back around 4 after work.
“It still has not sunk in and we expected our father to come home at anytime.
“It is a huge loss for us all and the community.
“We have been overwhelmed with messages from the community and would like to thank everyone for their kind words and ask them to pray for our father.
“May Allah SWT grant them the highest place paradise. Ameen.”
Majid Mahmood, councillor of Hodge Hill, Bromford, and a family friend said:
“He was a pillar of the community, always at hand to help.”
“Over the last few days, hundreds of people have offered their condolences to the family at the local masjid.
“We have lost one of our best in the city.”
Tributes have also been paid to the grandfather on social media.
One person wrote: “Wow what a total shock a true gentleman and friend my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time RIP NABI.”
Another said: “Such sad news, a great loss to all who knew him. Condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, Nabi.”
A third posted: “I was speaking to them the other day. May the almighty bless them the highest rank in jannah. A great man who will be missed dearly.”
Police believe a blue Ford Focus was involved in the incident. It has significant front end damage and it has been seized for forensic analysis.
However, no one has been arrested so far.
Any witnesses who saw a blue Focus driving in the area after the collision are asked to message police on Live Chat or call 101 quoting log 1411 from 29 August.