THE family of a Tameside businessman who died after being hit by his own car during a robbery in Stockport has paid tribute to him.

Police were called to a report of a collision on the junction of Lyme Grove and Hazel Avenue in Romiley, just after 9pm on Friday, January 8.

Officers attended the scene and established that the victim, 53-year-old Mohammed Islam, known as Nowab Miah, was struck by his own car following a robbery.

His death has shocked Stockport village of Marple, where Mr Miah's restaurant Marple Spice was based and nearby Romiley, where he was killed, and Hyde ,where he lived.

Mohammed was taken to hospital where he sadly died on Sunday (January 10).

A 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of robbery. He remains in custody at this time.

Shortly after 8pm yesterday evening (Monday, January 11), the silver Mercedes stolen in the robbery was found abandoned on Watson Street in Denton, Tameside. Attempts had been made to set the car on fire.

The car is now subject to forensic examination and enquiries are ongoing.

Mohammed's family 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."