Our hearts are in a million pieces

Reporter: Usma Raja
Date online: 14 July 2009

THE distraught family of Junaid Khan who was gunned down in Chadderton have appealed to his killers to surrender.

At an emotional press conference, the 21-year-old victim’s tearful sister Raheela Khan said: “Knowing that he will never return breaks our hearts in a million pieces.”

Junaid’s father Mumtaz Khan (60), of Lincoln Street, Werneth, said he did not know the motive behind the killing and was shocked to learn that his son, who he called his “best friend”, had been shot 17 times.

Mr Khan described the horrifying moment he found out about his son’s murder. He said: “I started shaking. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. A friend who broke the news to me had to escort me down to the scene where my son was killed.”

He also dismissed reports that the shooting was gang or drugs related. Mr Khan said: “My son has never got into trouble with the law, and we appeal to his killers to hand themselves over to the police.

“We also want to hear from his friends who were around him at the time of the shooting to help us piece together what happened.”

“He was probably taking someone’s side and his friends’ attackers took revenge on him.”

Junaid’s sister, Raheela (29) believed there was a plot to kill her brother adding: “He was murdered only 100 yards from his home. We just want justice. We don’t want another family to be shattered.

“Junaid was a much-loved son. His killers have snatched him from us. He was our strength and support.

“My mother keeps calling his mobile — hoping he will answer it. She will never get over this.

“Our hearts will never be at peace and Junaid’s soul will never rest until the people who did this are punished.”

Mr Khan said his son, who lived with his mother Taj Mahal, in Cotton Mill Crescent, Werneth, was dropping a friend off near the Block Lane surgery where he was murdered at around 11.30pm on Thursday.

Police are seeking information about a silver Mitsubishi Shogun 4x4 seen in Block Lane after the shooting, and later found burnt out at the Ancora restaurant car park in Broadway.

Mr Khan added: “I don’t think this is connected to the Salford shooting (shopkeeper Nassar Hussain was shot in the chest last Saturday) but I do believe his killers planned it because they shot him instantly and he fell to the ground.

“It is not gang-related and nothing to do with drugs. He has never smoked. He was a fit lad.

“My son was very good. He was faithful to me and our M.K General Stores business where he worked as a shop assistant.

“Junaid would never do anything to hurt his family. His mother recently suffered a heart attack and he was concerned for her.

“I wish it was me they had killed, why a young innocent man? I really don’t know why they did this because he was only driving a £400 Fiat Seicento.”




Block Lane Surgery, will reopen as usual from 2pm today. Shauna Dixon, director of clinical leadership at NHS Oldham, thanked patients for their patience and understanding.