Glasgow: Muslim shopkeeper murdered in suspected ‘religiously prejudiced’ attack after posting on Facebook of love for Christians

A popular shopkeeper was stabbed to death by another Muslim in a “religiously prejudiced” attack hours after posting an Easter message on Facebook to “my beloved Christian nation”.

Asad Shah, 40, a devout Muslim originally from the Pakistani city of Rabwah, had his head stamped on during a savage attack, according to one eyewitness.

An eyewitness, who did not want to be named, told the Daily Record: “As I drove past I saw two men standing over the victim.One was stamping on his head. There was a pool of blood on the ground. It was horrific…” Mr Shah was taken to hospital where he later died.

Around four hours earlier the victim wrote online: “Good Friday and a very Happy Easter, especially to my beloved Christian nation. Let’s follow the real footstep of beloved holy Jesus Christ and get the real success in both worlds.”

On Friday afternoon, police confirmed that a 32-year-old Muslim man had been arrested in connection with Mr Shah’s death. A spokeswoman added: “A full investigation is under way to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death which is being treated as religiously prejudiced.”

Brothers Qaiser and Omar Khan told BBC Scotland they knew Mr Shah well and had repaired his cars in the past. They described him as “a humble, sweet person”.Omar Khan added: “I’ve known him since I was a wee boy so this is shocking news. He was a very straight-forward, humble person who was very good with his customers. He cared about his family a lot.”

The vigil, advertised on social media, was to be held as close to the area’s Waverley Gardens as the police cordon would allow. People attending were encouraged to bring a daffodil.