Catholic leaders express shock at 'religiously motivated' death of Muslim shopkeeper

The Archbishop of Glasgow has expressed shock at the apparently religiously motivated murder of a Pakistani-born shopkeeper in the city’s Shawlands area.

Asad Shah was found with serious injuries outside his shop just after 9pm on Thursday. The 40-year-old was taken to Queen Elizabeth University hospital in Glasgow, where he was pronounced dead.

Archbishop Philip Tartaglia said that the murder of Mr Shah had shocked everyone. "The outpourings of sympathy following his death are a tribute to him – they have come from Christians, Muslims, people of other faith traditions and those of no faith. He was a man who valued and respected everyone in his community. It is vital that his example of friendship, peace and brotherhood prevails."

A popular member of the local community, Mr Shah had posted a Facebook message earlier on Good Friday evening wishing a happy Easter "to my beloved Christian nation".

The full message read: "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."

Mgr Paul Murray, parish priest at Saint Helen's in Langside, which is along the road from Mr Shah's shop, spoke of his parishioners' sadness at having lost "a warm and friendly man", and said many had attended vigils for him.

"He had a particular concern and friendship for the older members of our community. One young father went in with his new baby recently and Mr Shah asked the child's name, then took a card from his shelf, wrote a congratulatory message and gave it to him," he said.

A 32-year-old man, also said to be Muslim, has been arrested in connection with Mr Shah's death.