Express & Star

Tanveer Iqbal murder probe: Tributes paid to 'loving father' who was 'always laughing'

Heartbroken family members and stunned business owners have paid tribute to a Smethwick shop owner discovered dead in the boot of his own car, as a murder investigation is launched.

Published

Tanveer Iqbal, who ran the Hi-Tech Music shop in Shireland Road, was found in the boot of his Renault Clio in the Edgbaston area of Birmingham just two days after he celebrated his 33rd birthday.

Mr Iqbal's business, Hi-Tech Music shop in Smethwick

Today the father-of-two's heartbroken family said were desperate for police to track down his killers as soon as possible.

Mr Iqbal's older brother Twaseen, 48, said told the Express & Star: "He was a very loving father of two lovely daughters, aged three and five.

"I hope the culprits get caught quickly. We want justice.

"If that doesn't happen there will never be peace in our hearts."

Mr Iqbal, who lived in Wadhurst Road, Edgbaston, was reported missing at around midday on Monday after not being seen since closing his shop on Shireland Road on Sunday evening.

Police said enquiries led officers to nearby Portland Road, where Mr Iqbal's body was found in the boot just before 2pm on Monday.

A footpath by Portland Road was cordoned off by police

Scores of well-wishers yesterday gathered at the Corbett Street Mosque in Smethwick to offer prayers, pay their respects to Mr Iqbal and show support for his relatives.

Speaking at the mosque, Mr Iqbal's nephew Saqib Twaseen said the much-loved father-of-two – the youngest of four brothers – had turned 33 on Saturday.

After finishing work on Sunday evening he was due to go for a meal to celebrate, but his family never heard from him again.

His Clio was found less than a mile away from Mr Iqbal's Asian music store.

A post mortem took place yesterday afternoon and police continued to make inquires at the scene.

The music store remained closed and the shutters were down yesterday.

Stunned fellow shopkeepers in Shireland Road said they could not believe the news.

Pharmacist Tahir Mahmood said: "I've known Tanveer personally for about three years.

"He regularly came in here and was very cheerful, a down to earth guy.

"Everyone is so shocked to hear he's no longer with us, I can't believe it.

"We are devastated."

Badar Mir from Faisal Fashion Fabrics said he used to speak to Mr Iqbal every morning around 11am when the pair opened up their respective shops.

"He was always laughing, he was a really good boy," Mr Mir said.

"We both always opened at 11am so used to see each other every day.

"He was always smiling and was a good person.

"I went to the family home to pay my respects and his brother told me had been murdered and his body was found in a car.

"They were only told today.

"It's totally unexpected.

"The police have been outside front and back since Monday."

Other shopkeepers on the road spoke of Mr Iqbal as a jovial presence, who was always smiling.

The music shop has been a presence on the road for around 30 years, with Mr Iqbal behind the counter for the past decade, the Express & Star was told.

One shop worker, who asked not to be named, said: "He always seemed to be happy.

"He was the kind of guy who never had any trouble with anybody.

"He would always smile, laugh and tell jokes.

"It's heartbreaking news, it's very sad."

Officers cordoned off the area between City Road and the Ridgeway on Monday and the Clio was taken away for forensic examination.

Detective Inspector Paul Joyce, who is leading the investigation, appealed for anyone who may have seen Mr Iqbal to come forward.

He said: "We're working around the clock to try and piece together events leading up to this man's death.

"If anyone has any information which they think may assist me with this investigation, I would urge them to get in touch as soon as they can.

"I am particularly keen to speak to any witnesses who may have seen Mr Iqbal between closing his shop in Smethwick on Sunday night and the time he was discovered at lunchtime on Monday."

Police can be contacted on 101 or information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.