Vigil for Rotherham pensioner, 81, who died 11 days after early morning attack

Mushin Ahmed had been left critically ill after being seriously assaulted in an area just off Fitzwilliam Road in the early hours of August 10.

South Yorkshire Police revealed yesterday that the pensioner, had died of his injuries overnight on Thursday.

Today a vigil is to take place at All Saints Square in Rotherham from noon. Mr Ahmed’s family described the 81-year-old as being “gentle and unconfrontational.”

Yesterday Detective Chief Inspector Chris Singleton, from the force’s Specialist Crime Services, said: “It is with great sadness that we confirm to the public the death of Mr Ahmed and our sincerest condolences go to his family and friends.

“He was a much loved and respected member of his community and his relatives are receiving specialist support from officers during this difficult time.”

The Muslim Council of Britain reacted to the death, saying it was the latest in a “spate of violent attacks against Muslims”.

Secretary General Dr Shuja Shafi said: “This is an absolute disgusting and horrific crime against an elderly man.”Two men have been charged in connection with the assault. Damien Hunt, 29, of Doncaster Road, Rotherham, and Kieran John Rice, 21, of Oakes Meadow, Rotherham, appeared at Rotherham Magistrates’ Court on August 14 charged with section 18 assault with intent.

Both men were remanded in custody to appear before Sheffield Crown Court on August 28.A further two men were arrested earlier this week – a 29-year-old man from Dalton and a 24-year-old man from Thrybergh. They have been bailed while detectives continue their enquiries.

Anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident is asked to call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting incident number 147 of 10 August 2015.