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Details revealed of how chef was killed in north-east takeaway restaurant

Police at the scene in Mintlaw following the death
Police at the scene in Mintlaw following the death

A takeaway chef who was allegedly murdered at his work was killed by a combination of blunt head trauma and heart disease, it emerged today.

Shahzad Shah, 56, collapsed and died following what police described as an “incident” at a kebab shop in the sleepy village of Mintlaw in Aberdeenshire last month.

Another man has since appeared in court twice in connection with the case, charged with murder and assault.

The 56-year-old divorcee had been supporting his family, who lived in Pakistan, by working in the Indian takeaway and sending them home money.

He was looking forward to travelling to the country to spend time with his 10-year-old twins Ali and Shehr in May.

According to Mr Shah’s death certificate, which was registered by police yesterday, his cause of death was “Ischaemic Heart Disease with blunt head trauma”.

Shahzad Shah with his wife Naila
Shahzad Shah with his wife Naila

The coroner listed his time of death as 7:10pm on April 11 at the village’s Mirchi Tandoori, where he had worked for over a year.

According to his death certificate, Mr Shah usually stayed at an address in Dunfermline, Fife.

Police were called out to the takeaway around 5:30pm on the night of the incident.

The area was cordoned off as police investigations got underway.

Police charged 52-year-old Hidayet Ozden, from Falkirk, with the alleged murder and assault of Mr Shah just 24 hours after he was found dead.

It is understood he was a co-worker of Mr Shah.

No dates have been fixed for a further court appearance at present.
Mr Shah’s boss, takeaway owner Shahid Ali, set up a fundraising campaign to help his grieving family in the aftermath of events.

And the businessman revealed that Mr Shah was not supposed to be working on the day he died.

Mr Ali, who also owns a string of village grocery stores, said:”Shah was a fantastic cook, he was a fantastic curry chef and his curries were the best I’ve ever tasted.

“He was so proud of his job. He went the extra mile and his attention to detail showed his dedication and professionalism.

“He wasn’t even supposed to be at work, he usually has Monday and Tuesday off. I don’t know why he was in – perhaps just to help his friend – it’s as if fate drew him there. It’s been such a shock, just so surreal.”

The takeaway in Mintlaw sits just 50 yards from the village police station.