shah newsagent glasgow murder 2016
Much-loved newsagent Asad Shah was stabbed to death outside his shop in Glasgow Google Streetview

A Glasgow community is mourning the brutal murder of a local shopkeeper who had just hours earlier posted a special message of peace to Christians despite being a devout Muslim. Asad Shah, 40, who ran a newsagent in Minard Road, was apparently attacked by two men outside his shop and found covered in blood by police at 9.05pm on Thursday (24 March). He was taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital where he died.

A local resident who did not give his name described how he had been driving past the shop when he witnessed part of the assault by two men. "One was stamping on his head," he said. "There was a pool of blood on the ground. It was horrific."

Shah's family had run the shop in the Shawlands area for over 15 years and he was well-liked in the community. Isabella Graham, 64, said: "He was an amazing, wonderful man, he couldn't do enough for you. He wouldn't hurt anybody. Nobody in Shawlands would have a bad word to say about him. I can't believe he's gone."

Mr Shah was a devout Muslim and his Facebook page shows him praying. Hours before he was killed he posted a message of goodwill for Easter which said: "Good Friday and a very Happy Easter, especially to my beloved Christian nation... Let's follow the real footstep of beloved holy Jesus Christ and get the real success in both worlds." He had earlier spoken of his "unconditional real love for all mankind".

A vigil will take place in memory of Mr Shah near his shop in Waverley Gardens this evening (25 March) at 9 pm. A Facebook page organising the event reads: "We are going to stand in a silent vigil to note the brutal killing of Asad Shah and to say that together we are bigger than this. Glasgow is and should continue to be a place where people of different faiths, cultures etc can live together as friends.

"You are invited to join us in Minard Rd ,as close to Waverely Gardens as the police cordon will allow, at 9pm tonight (25th March) . Bring a daffodil. #thisisnotwhoweare."

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "Officers are currently pursuing a positive line of inquiry in connection with the death. Closures are in place at Pollokshaws Road and Titwood Road while inquiries are conducted at the scene."