Following the death of local resident and taxi driver Younis Khan, the Messenger went out to speak to residents, to record people’s reactions and feelings. The following are some of the comments we collected from 25 parents at a local school.
“We're all in shock, it just happens on your doorstep. He was such a nice person.”
“Children think its normal – another murder. We need to stand by each other and support each other.”
“It's just such a shock and loss. I've lived in the area for 20 years. He was an honest guy trying to earn a living. It's a loss to the community. You have to think about the grand children – they're only young but they'll have to live with it for the rest of their lives. I just hope they get who did it and that they get a proper sentence.”
“We will miss him and are very shocked and upset by the manner of his death”
“I'm just scared. I live on that road. It happens everywhere else – Manchester, London, but you don't think it will happen on your street. I didn't let my husband go to work the day after. I couldn't believe it.”
“I'm scared. It's disgusting. We knew him since we were kids. A right good man; a family man. He used to always laugh and had a cheeky grin. It makes you wonder what will happen next.”
“My wife knew his wife – they used to go to the gym to do keep fit together. It's really shocking. People need to rally around.”
“Frightening for our children, too close for comfort, we want to move from here.” “It’s disgusting and appalling – where are they getting their guns. Why don’t they clean it up?”
“I’m shocked – more should be done to get guns and drugs off the street – the community should help the police.”
“I’m really shocked. Pitsmoor is a multicultural area and up to now we haven’t had too much of these kind of problems. It makes you more aware, especially when your five year old is asking about guns and violence.”
“It’s really grim that people have to resort to shooting someone to sort out a difference. Do they really think they can get away with it? It’s always two steps forward, one step back for Pitsmoor.”
“We need to stand by each other and support each other”
“It’s awful and shocking, I feel for the family. Lots of people know him. Children know it’s happened, but you don’t know how to explain why.”
The Messenger met a group of young people to discuss how the incident affected them, they talked about its link to crime and young people, and how to move forward.
“Reputation means people get into a cycle of violence. Because of reputation they have to do something. Its peer pressure.”
“We don’t want it, we don’t need it. It all needs to calm down.”
“The community and the police have a responsibility to do something”
“The reason why people in the community don’t say anything about crimes is because suspicion is not enough, you need evidence – and it’s a risk speaking up without evidence.”
“The community and the police have a responsibility to do something, but also the media has to keep it in proportion. It’s stupid not to accept some responsibility ourselves – it’s our future it affects.”
Many tributes have been made with flowers and cards near Burngreave Cemetery gates, where Younis Khan was killed.
“My deepest sympathy to the family. The Community is thinking of you at this terrible time.”
“Mr Younis Khan. We remember your lovely smiling face and jokes when we used to come to your shop. We are deeply shocked and saddened by what has happened.”
The Messenger has also received tributes:
“We were very fond of Younis, although we only knew him through the shop. He was a warm and instantly likeable person. We will miss him and are very shocked and upset by the manner of his death. I think the real man shone through when he smiled. He worked very hard and was devoted to his family, who must be devastated by their loss.”
Add your own comments or condolences.
The police would like to hear from you if you have any information about the incident.
Please do not hesitate to call the major incident team on 296 4471, 296 4472 or 296 4473. Details can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Any information provided will be treated in the strictest of confidence.