Bradford Man Admits Murdering Popular Shopkeeper

32-year-old Tanveer Ahmed has admitted murdering a Glasgow shopkeeper in a religiously motivated attack.

Tanveer Ahmed attacked Asad Shah outside his store in the Shawlands area of Glasgow on 24 March. 40 year old Mr Shah later died in hospital.

Mr Shah a member of the Ahmadiya Muslim Community (pictured) had posted a goodwill Easter message on Facebook to his customers and for that the murderer Ahmed said he had "disrespected" Islam and he said in an extraordinary statement "justifying" his actions issued by his lawyer that Mr Shah had claimed to be a prophet. The statement and shocking murder were widely condemned by both secular leaders and faith communities across the UK.

Cab driver Ahmed pleaded guilty to murder at a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow and will be sentenced in August.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson, Police Scotland’s Safer Communities lead officer, said:

“Asad Shah was a peaceful family man; a hard-working businessman and well-loved member of the Glasgow community. 

His death in such terrible circumstances impacted on those closest to him as well as communities throughout the country.

“Scotland’s diverse communities have a proud tradition of unity, tolerance and understanding. Crimes of this nature are thankfully rare – however it makes them all the more shocking when they do occur.

“Mr Shah’s murder was the result of an extreme act of violence; an attack which was concluded within the space of four minutes. 

It is clear that the actions of Tanveer Ahmed were motivated by his religious beliefs.

“There is a consensus across all of our communities that there is no place in Scotland for religious or cultural intolerance which generates crimes of hatred, intimidation or violence. Religious or cultural beliefs, no matter how strongly held, do not entitle anyone to commit murder or acts of aggression.

“There are a number of ways in which members of the public can report hate crimes to the police and I would encourage them to do so.

“The response by Scotland’s communities to the murder was one of unity; I am confident that the same response will be displayed in light of today’s guilty plea.”

Police Scotland took the accused into custody in the immediate aftermath of the murder and a Major Investigation Team, working closely with colleagues in West Yorkshire Police, established the circumstances which led Ahmed to travel to Glasgow from Bradford to confront Mr Shah in his shop.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Jim Smith, of Police Scotland, Major Investigation Team West, said:

“Officers worked closely with West Yorkshire Police to understand the full background to Tanveer Ahmed and his reason for travelling to Glasgow on the night of Mr Shah’s murder.

“Our investigation focused on the immediate actions and admissions of the accused and piecing together a timeline of events based on CCTV footage, forensic recovery and examination of telecommunications data and social media activity.

“I would pay tribute to the witnesses who spoke to the events of that night; a number of them went to Mr Shah’s assistance but the swift and ferocious nature of the attack meant there was little they could do to save him. Ahmed’s compliance in the immediate aftermath of the attack was in stark contrast to the level of violence shown during the confrontation.”

Chief Superintendent Brian McInulty, Local Police Commander for Greater Glasgow Division, said:

“All of our thoughts are with Asad Shah’s family today as they have been since this incident. Mr Shah was well known in his local community and his loss is still acutely felt there.

“We have worked closely with the community in Glasgow and with faith communities to ensure that intolerance has no part in the life of our city. Offenders will be pursued with vigour and victims can come forward and report matters with confidence.

“Officers will continue to be available in the community to respond to any issues or concern which arise.”