LOCAL councillors and family members of the mother-of-five who was killed in a hit and run have expressed their shock and devastation.
The fatal collision, involving a grey Citroen C1, occurred at the junction of Hinchcliffe Street and Beech Terrace in Barkerend at 3pm on Monday.
Iram Shahzadi, 40, who lived on Hinchcliffe Street, was making the short journey over to Lapage Primary School, on Barkerend Road, to collect one of her daughters when the incident happened.
It is believed she ended up on the grass next to the nearby greenway after the impact from the car. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the car involved left the scene prior to police attendance.
A 41-year-old man was arrested later that day on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving in connection with the crash.
Following further investigations, police revealed last night that he has now been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Specialist officers are continuing to support the family at this terrible time.
Haris, Mrs Shazadhi’s nephew, said: “It has hit the family, especially her children, really hard.
“She was a very good lady who always kept herself to herself. She has helped everybody out. She had a lot of respect from the area.
“I used to live near her and see her every day going to pick up her kids from school.
“The family are going to be traumatised, she did not deserve this at all.
“I found out over Snapchat and I showed my mum who was shocked.”
Shabana, the sister of one of Mrs Shazadhi's cousins, added: "I saw her a month ago, we are all in shock. It was just another day for her going to collect her daughter.
"I went to pay my respects to her husband yesterday and he is still in shock. He still thinks she is coming back, it hasn't sunk in yet.
"She was a beautiful kind loving soul who will always remain in our heart."
Bowling and Barkerend councillors Rizwana Jamil, Imran Khan and Hassan Khan were all stunned by the incident.
Cllr Jamil said: “Anything like this shakes the community to the core because this has happened right in the heart of a residential area.
"People will know the family, the whole community will be in absolute shock in this tragic event.
“I was shocked and devastated to learn about this young women. I cannot begin to imagine the effect this is having on her family.
“I would like to offer my sincere condolences to her family and all her friends for this devastating tragedy.
“I hope the public will help the police in their investigations to get to the bottom of this.”
Cllr Hassan Khan added: “It is sad that something like this happened on an off-road in a residential area where the speed limit is 20mph.
“I couldn’t believe it happened there, it is surprising. It is a nice residential area.
“Condolences go out to the family and I am sorry to hear about their loss.”
Cllr Imran Khan said: “I am really sorry to hear about this tragic incident. The local community are in shock.
“The loss of life is always difficult to accept especially during this holy month of Ramadan. My heart goes out to her family, they are in my thoughts and prayers.
"I am sure the police will be making further enquires and I hope they are able to get to the bottom of what has happened here.”
Police are still keen to speak to anyone who witnessed this collision, the manner of driving of the vehicle beforehand or who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area.
Information can be passed to West Yorkshire Police via 101 or online using 101 Live Chat, quoting log 1040 of 10/05.
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