Family left devastated

THE family of M62 shooting victim Mohammed Yassar Yaqub have been left devastated by his death.

Father-of-two Mr Yaqub, 28, of Crosland Moor, died after being shot by police officers on Monday night.

A statement issued through solicitor Amjad Hasan said: “Mr Yaqub’s family are in shock, and are distraught. They would ask the media to respect their privacy at this difficult time.

“The family are fully aware that the incident that led to the death of Mr Yaqub is currently being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission and they do not wish to make any further comment at this stage.”

Mr Yaqub’s father Mohammed is a well-known local businessman and property owner in the Crosland Moor area of the town.

The family lives in Rudding Street in a large white-fronted detached house.

There was a constant stream of friends and relatives calling at the house throughout the day to pay their respects.

But many family members left yesterday afternoon when armed police arrived, apparently to search the property.

At least five police vehicles arrived in the surrounding streets, including a dog van and officers with guns were positioned at the front and back of the house before leaving about 30 minutes later.

Earlier, flowers were taken to the house as a number of relatives arrived, some embracing as they went inside.

At the scene, a silver Audi with bullet holes in its windscreen was surrounded by other vehicles at the bottom of the sliproad of the westbound carriageway.

That part of the motorway remained closed well into last night.

Meanwhile, tributes were paid to Mr Yaqub on Facebook. Ilyas Najib wrote: “Regardless of the circumstances and who did what, two children woke up today without a father, that reason alone is heartbreaking.

“My thoughts go out to the young children.”

Saima Khan posted: “So sad, my heart goes out to his parents.”