THE funeral of bakery worker Imran Shah took place at Banbury Mosque yesterday, just hours before the body was flown to Kashmir for burial in a family grave.

Mr Shah, 23, died from multiple wounds on Monday, November 27, after an incident in the car park at Fine Lady Bakeries in Southam Road, Banbury, where he worked on the night shift.

Local councillor Alyas Ahmed said the funeral was one of the biggest ever seen in Banbury.

He said: "Several thousand mourners were there. Relatives and friends from all over the country came for the ceremony, as well as all the local people who knew Mr Shah - who was a talented footballer and cricketer."

Mr Ahmed described the funeral. He said: "The coffin was placed at the front of the mosque and prayers were said. Then the mourners approached the coffin saying private prayers, before walking away."

Later on Tuesday, Mr Shah's body was flown to Kashmir for burial.

Mr Ahmed said: "The flight took off from Heathrow at 8pm, and Mr Shah's father flew out with the coffin. The plane landed in Islamabad and the cortege drove for several hours to Kashmir where Mr Shah's mother still lives.

"The body was then buried in a grave alongside other members of the family."

Mr Ahmed praised the police for the early release of Mr Shah's body.

He said: "It can sometimes take three weeks or more for bodies to be returned to families, and we are grateful that Mr Shah was back with us in just one week. I also want to thank the Banbury community for their commiserations, and the press for their handling of the matter."

  • A 29-year-old man has appeared in court charged with murdering nightshift worker Imran Shah.

Shahid Rehman, of Grimsbury Green, Banbury, aided by an interpreter, appeared at Banbury Magistrates Court on Friday. He was remanded in custody, to appear before Oxford Crown Court tomorrow.