Restaurant owner dies after he was 'run over by thieves who stole his car'

01/10/2021

A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a much-loved restaurant owner who died after his car was stolen while delivering food in Greater Manchester.

Tributes have poured in for Haji Mohammed Hedayatul Islam – known as Nowab Miah – who was delivering a meal on Friday evening in Romiley, Stockport.

It is believed the 53-year-old father, from Hyde, Tameside, was run over while trying to stop his car being taken at around 9pm. The thieves sped off leaving Mr Miah injured in the road.

He died in hospital today, police confirmed.

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in custody.

Detectives believe there were other people involved and are urging witnesses to come forward. They are continuing to look for a silver Mercedes which they believe was stolen.

On Sunday, his son Shaf Nowab posted on Facebook: ‘I am saddened to announce that my father, my mentor, my role model Haji Mohammed Hedayatul Islam known as Nowab Miah to his friends has sadly left this world surrounded by close family.

‘Many of you will be aware of the recent incident that occurred in Romiley.

‘My father is the person that it occurred with he was just doing his last delivery for our restaurant before he went home.

‘I would like to thank everyone in the community for their prayers and regards and me and my family genuinely appreciate everything you have said.

‘Me and my family ask that you keep us in your prayers and allow my family to come to terms with this loss. Thank you.’

Tributes have poured in for ‘lovely’ Mr Miah, who owned restaurant Marple Spice and would ‘help anyone’.

Paying tribute to him, his friend Badrul Alom said: ‘He looked after the community.

‘He was a good friend, very close. He was one of the popular guys.’

Another friend told the Manchester Evening News: ‘He would help anyone, he was one of those people you could go to if you had a problem.

‘No one had a bad word to say about him.’

Chief Inspector Liam Boden said: ‘This is an extremely tragic case which has rocked the community and left a family utterly devastated.

‘We believe there may have been others involved in the incident and a number of lines of enquiry are continuing to be carried out in order for us to find those responsible.

‘We’re still asking the public to come forward with any information that may assist us – even the smallest bit of information can prove vital.

‘Anyone who may have seen a silver Mercedes in the area at the time or may have seen it in suspicious circumstances since is asked to get in touch – this vehicle could prove vital in our investigation.

We’re also keen for anyone with any CCTV or dash-cam footage to get in touch.’