Fundraising campaign for ‘much-loved’ Ahmedi shopkeeper killed in Scotland passes £50,000

Donations to the family of a shopkeeper who died after an alleged attack on his shop have passed the £50,000 mark.

Asad Shah was found seriously injured in Glasgow on Thursday night and pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of a “religiously prejudiced” attack in connection with his death.

Hours beforehand, the 40-year-old shopkeeper had wished Christians a happy Easter in a social media post and he had previously appeared to speak out against violence.

A GoFundMe page created following by some of Shah’s customers to raise funds for his family has raised more than £54,000.

Posts on the page describe Shah as a “popular, well-respected and much-loved” member of the community.

Read more: British-Pakistani murdered by fellow Muslims for posting Easter greetings on Facebook

“He was a warm and friendly man and he always went out of his way to make time to talk to you – he was more than just our local shopkeeper. He was a friend to many,” read the appeal.

A 32-year-old Muslim man has been arrested in connection with Mr Shah’s death, with police saying he may have travelled 200 miles from Bradford in a premeditated attack.

Police Scotland said: “A full investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death which is being treated as religiously prejudiced.”

Two vigils were also held in the local area over the weekend.

A silent vigil on Friday evening was attended by around 400 people, including Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, whose constituency covers the area.

An event held on Saturday was organised by local teenagers on social media.

Aleesa Malik, 17, said: “He would want to know how you are, what are you doing. He took an interest in everyone’s lives – old, young, anyone.

“You could be any colour that would not be an issue for him, he just cared too much.”