Funerals Held For Birmingham Riot Car Victims

Funerals Held For Birmingham Riot Car Victims

Three men who were killed as they tried to protect shops and homes from looters will be buried today.

Haroon Jahan, 21, and brothers Shazad Ali, 30, and Abdul Musavir, 31, died in the early hours of August 10 after they were struck by a car during riots in the Winson Green area of Birmingham.

A public prayer event will be held in Summerfield Park, Winson Green, on Thursday afternoon. The open-air service will be followed by private burials.

The father of Mr Jahan made an emotional appeal for calm in the local community hours after his son's death.

Tariq Jahan, who attempted to revive his son after hearing the car speed away from the scene, told crowds gathered in Dudley Road: "Today we stand here to plead with all the youth to remain calm, for our communities to stand united. This is not a race issue. The family has received messages of sympathy and support from all parts of society."

He called on people to "respect the memories of our sons" by bringing a stop to violence.

In a short statement released through West Midlands Police, the families of the three men killed said: "We would like to announce that the funerals of Shazad Ali, Abdul Musavir and Haroon Jahan will take place on Thursday 18 August at 3pm in Summerfield Park, Dudley Road, Winson Green, Birmingham. Members of all communities and faiths are being welcomed to attend and sufficient arrangements have been made to cater for your participation."

Meanwhile, a 30-year-old man has appeared in court charged with three counts of murder in connection with the deaths.

Ian Beckford, 30, from Quinton, Birmingham, faced the city's magistrates' court and spoke only to confirm his name and address during the brief hearing.

He is the fourth person to be charged over the incident. Two men and a teenage boy appeared in court on Monday charged with the murders.

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