Funeral of Sheffield man gunned dead on the street attracts 'record' turnout

Mourners spilled onto the streets this afternoon as the funeral of a young man shot dead in Sheffield attracted a 'record' turnout.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Mar 2017, 13:19 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 10:09 BST
Aseel's coffin is carried into the mosqueAseel's coffin is carried into the mosque
Aseel's coffin is carried into the mosque

Hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects to Aseel Al-Essaie who died, aged just 23, after being gunned down in Upperthorpe last month.

Al Rahman Mosque & Cultural Centre, in Pitsmoor, was so full well-wishers had to kneel on mats and scraps of cardboard outside, with crowds stretching up Gower Street past a neighbouring restaurant and shops.

Mourners knelt on mats and bits of cardboard outside the mosque, which was fullMourners knelt on mats and bits of cardboard outside the mosque, which was full
Mourners knelt on mats and bits of cardboard outside the mosque, which was full
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A family friend estimated the turnout at 1,200, which he said was the biggest ever for a funeral at the mosque.

Mohsin Obaid described Aseel as a 'lovely' man who 'always had a smile' and volunteered to help local youths.

He said Aseel, who lived in Upperthorpe, had a 'bright future' ahead of him and it was tragic he had been taken so young.

"He was one of the nicest, sweetest boys you could hope to meet. He wasn't a violent man. He was a peacemaker," said Mr Obaid.

Aseel was described by a family friend as a 'lovely' man who was a 'peacemaker'Aseel was described by a family friend as a 'lovely' man who was a 'peacemaker'
Aseel was described by a family friend as a 'lovely' man who was a 'peacemaker'
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Mourners knelt in prayer inside the mosque and on the pavement outside during the funeral service, which began at 12.30pm.

Aseel's body was then taken to be buried in Tinsley.

Aseel was shot in Daniel Hill, Upperthorpe, on Saturday, February 18, and died in hospital later that day.

The former Tapton School pupil had just pulled up outside a house for a family gathering to celebrate his twin sister's engagement when the fatal attack happened.

Up to 1,200 peopl are estimated to have attended Aseel's funeralUp to 1,200 peopl are estimated to have attended Aseel's funeral
Up to 1,200 peopl are estimated to have attended Aseel's funeral

Nine suspects have been arrested over his death, all of whom have been bailed pending further enquiries.

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* Anyone with information is asked to call South Yorkshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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