Community says farewell to tragic ‘Tabi’
Hundreds at the funeral of man found stabbed on Christmas Day
A COMMUNITY came together to mourn the death of Mohammed Aftab, the 21-year-old found dead on a Rochdale country lane on Christmas Day.
At least 1,000 people attended funeral prayers for Mohammed at the Bilal mosque in Wardleworth on Thursday. The mosque was so full hundreds stood outside, heads bowed in the pouring rain as they paid their respects. Among them were several of Mohammed’s friends, wearing hoodies with the words ‘RIP’ and his nickname ‘Tabi’ printed on the back.
Mohammed’s body was found on Dyehouse Lane, in Smallbridge, at around 8.15am on December 25.
Police say the avid Arsenal fan had suffered multiple head injuries and stab wounds to his neck.
ACOMMUNITY came together to mourn the death of Mohammed Aftab, the 21-year-old found dead on a country lane in Rochdale on Christmas Day.
It’s thought at least 1,000 people attended funeral prayers for Mohammed at the Bilal mosque in Wardleworth on Thursday.
The mosque was so full hundreds stood outside, heads bowed in the pouring rain as they paid their respects.
Among them were several of Mohammed’s friends, wearing hoodies with the words ‘RIP’ and his nickname ‘Tabi’ printed on the back.
On the pavement across the road from the mosque, dozens of women from the community also paid their respects.
Following the 30 minute service a hearse took the coffin, which was adorned with wreaths spelling out ‘Tabi’ and ‘Son’, to a burial at Denehurst cemetery.
Mohammed’s body was found on Dyehouse Lane, in Smallbridge, at around 8.15am on December 25.
Police say the avid Arsenal fan had suffered multiple head injuries and stab wounds to his neck.
Earlier this week Mohammed’s family, from Belfield, spoke of their devastating loss, and thanked the ‘Rochdale community’ for its ‘love and support’.
In a statement issued through Greater Manchester Police they said: “There are no words to describe what has happened, what we have lost.
“We ask as a family why someone so vibrant and full of life has now been taken from us?
“This has been a devastating loss to all the family. You see these things happen to other people, but can never comprehend it when it happens to you.
“We all loved him from the bottom of our hearts and will miss him.
“Nobody had a bad word to say about Aftab. This has left all his friends and family heartbroken.
“In the last few days we have had unimaginable support from people including those we have not known.
“We are thankful for everyone’s love and support they have shown, especially those from the Rochdale community.
“My only concern is that no family should endure what we have, the loss of a young man who had his whole life ahead of him.” »»Jason Byrnes, 26, of Waithlands Road, Rochdale, has been charged with murder in connection with Mohammed’s death.