Colleagues’ vow over Shahed’s council bid
FRIENDS and political colleagues of Shahed Mahmood have vowed to continue his election campaign on his behalf as he recovers from a street attack.
Mr Mahmood, 49, who is president of the Hyndburn Chamber of Trade, was left critically ill after suffering head injuries in the attack on Tuesday, March 6.
There has been a wave of support for the takeaway owner in the wake of the incident on Blackburn Road, Accrington.
Mr Mahmood is not currently a councillor but had been selected to stand for Labour in the Immanuel ward in Oswaldtwistle in May’s Hyndburn council elections.
He had been out canvassing on the day of the attack and his colleagues have pledged to carry on his campaign.
Labour group leader Miles Parkinson said there was a mass canvass in Immanuel at the weekend where more than a dozen of his friends turned out to help.
He said: “It’s been decided if he can’t do his campaigning at present others will do it for him.
“His colleagues thought what better way to support him than to carry on the work that he was doing.
“Shahed is so well respected and liked by so many people in Accrington and Oswaldtwistle.
“We are all willing him a speedy recovery and everybody wants to see him back up and about as soon as possible.”
Hyndburn Labour Women’s Network posted several pictures on Facebook of the event, saying: “Out canvassing en mass in Immanuel ward, Oswaldtwistle for our good friend Shahed Mahmood, sending him get well soon wishes.”
It is understood that Mr Mahmood remains under the care of doctors at the Royal Preston Hospital.
His efforts to support and promote businesses and retailers through his position on the Chamber have been described as ‘tireless’.
Paul Brown, owner of Eafield and Maple estate agents, said: “He’s the nicest guy you’ll ever meet. Shahed is an absolute delight - having known him for a short period of time, he’s the nicest guy. It’s disgusting what’s happened.”
A 27-year-old man from Accrington arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault after the incident has been released on police bail until April 3.
TOWN in shock as Accrington business chief Shahed Mahmood attacked in street. Family man Mr Mahmood is in a critical but stable condition in hospital (website, March 8)
Sarah Jayne Blokland: There are no words to express my sadness at this terrible incident. Shahed is the nicest, kindest, caring person who would do anything for anyone. We wish him a speedy recovery and send love and best wishes to his family xxx Matt Shaw: One of the nicest men in Accrington, I had the pleasure of working with Shahed at Asda, I wish him a speedy recovery. Kirsty Hardman: He’s such a nice guy always a smile and a kind word. Hope he has a speedy recovery. I will be dropping a get well card off at his takeaway later this week x Catherine Groves: So shocking about this I wish him a speedy recovery. Steven Lee Hacking: Speedy recovery. Get well soon. Karen Colin Taylor: Sorry to hear this, what a lovely guy. Robyn Duckworth: Heartbreaking news - I hope he makes a speedy recovery. Vivienne Preston: He is in our thoughts and prayers. Samina Mahmood: Terrible news hope he gets well soon. Matt Green: Really sorry to hear this, hope he makes a full recovery. Angela Kay: Very sad news. Let’s pray for a speedy recovery x Rachel Tinkler: Wishing you a speedy recovery Shahed x Lynne Chippendale Ruggieri: Omg what a really nice guy as well - get well soon xxx Naz Ahmed: Sad to hear this, he’s a lovely guy, wishing you a speedy recovery x Jackie Rawstron: Wishing him and his family all our good wishes for a speedy recovery top bloke proper nice guy x