Thousands honour riot death men

18 August 2011 Last updated at 11:31 ET

Haroon Jahan, and brothers Shazad Ali and Abdul Musavir died when hit by a car in Winson Green

Up to 20,000 people have gathered for a prayer event ahead of a funeral later for three men killed during riots in Birmingham, police claim.

Haroon Jahan, 21, Shazad Ali, 30, and Abdul Musavir, 31, were hit by a car as they protected stores from looters in Winson Green, Birmingham, on 10 August.

The prayer is taking place in Summerfield Park, Winson Green, ahead of the men’s private burials.

Four people have been charged with their murders and are in custody.

‘Upsetting scenes’

The men’s deaths came amid mass rioting across England.

The hearses containing the men’s coffins entered the park shortly before 1500 BST.

Some mourners gathered by the vehicles in the park as the remaining crowds stood silently behind nearby barriers.

Speeches were made by invited speakers before the Janazah [funeral] Prayer, part of the Islamic funeral ritual.

One speaker addressing the crowd said the city had witnessed “upsetting scenes on the streets” resulting in the three tragic deaths.

‘An inspiration’

He said the men were protecting property for “Muslims, non-Muslims, black and white alike, even people they did not know.”

These people will never have the opportunity to thank them personally, he added.

He also praised people for their maturity and restraint shown by the community following the deaths.

Mr Jahan briefly spoke to the crowd

The community, “of all faiths and non-faiths have rallied as one”.

The hearses were laden with flowers, with their names spelt out in white floral arrangements.

Alan Blumenthal, from Singer Hill Synagogue, who attended the service, told BBC News the men were “beacons of light”.

“Today goes against the view that ng people are only interested in themselves and are layabouts,” he said.

“Here we have three beacons of light and an example of the way people should lead their lives in services of others.”

In other riot-related developments:

• Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith said the riots would be a turning point in David Cameron’s leadership. The secretary of state for work and pensions said the looting and violence of last week had been a warning of a social crisis in Britain
• Prince Harry has vid Salford to meet fire crews and other members of the emergency services who were on duty in the disturbances, as well as community groups
• Ex-Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell, a QC and former leading criminal prosecutor, said any attempt by MPs to influence judges’ decisions was “not consistent with the rule of law”
• The Ministry of Justice said nearly 1,300 people arrested in connection with the riots across England had now appeared before magistrates

The bodies of the three men were released to the families by Birmingham and Solihull coroner Aidan Cotter on Wednesday night.

Following the deaths, Haroon’s father Tariq Jahan urged the community to remain peaceful and united and his words were credited by police for preventing the spread of further tensions and disorder in the city.

‘Best of humanity’

Atif Iqbal, from the multi-faith group United Birmingham, said the number of people turning out show their respects would be testimony to the men’s honour.

“Tariq Jahan has become an inspiration for all of us because he really at that moment in time showed the best of humanity,” he said.

“He wasn’t angry, he wasn’t shouting, no bitterness, he was a calming, reassuring voice and single-handedly, there’s no doubt about it, he brought peace and calm to the streets not only of Winson Green and Birmingham, but he had a profound impact nationally as well.”

Police had said there would be a “visible presence” of officers at the service.

The service in the park will be followed by a private burial service in Handsworth Cemetery.

Crowds stood silently in the park as prayers were said

Shopkeepers in West Bromwich town centre, which was also targeted by looters, are to hold a two-minute silence at 11:00 BST on Friday as a mark of respect to the three victims.

Sandwell Borough Council leader Darren Cooper said: “This is a wonderful idea, which will give ordinary people a chance to show their feelings and demonstrate their support and compassion for the victims and their families.”

Mr Jahan described his relationship with his son as very close and said losing a family member was something no mother, father, son or sister should endure.

Abdul Quddoos, brother of Shazad and Abdul, said they were “heroes of the moment” and would be missed.

Crimewatch special

About 250 people attended a peaceful vigil in Dudley Road in Winson Green hours after the crash.

Joshua Donald, 26, Adam King, 23, and a 17-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, have appeared in court in Birmingham charged with murdering the three men in the crash.

Ian Beckford, 30, from Quinton, Birmingham, appeared before city magistrates earlier on Thursday charged with murder.

All four have been remanded in custody to appear at crown court in December.

A special half-hour Crimewatch programme on Thursday will be dedicated to identifying looters in Birmingham and Wolverhampton.

Crimewatch will be broadcast on BBC 1 from 20:00 BST on Thursday 18 August

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