Barkerend stabbing: Takeaway owner's sadness at incident

Police were called at 10.29pm on Monday by the ambulance service to reports a man was unconscious with stab wounds.

The victim, 23-year-old Luqman Ishfaq, was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A floral tribute to Luqman Ishfaq, who was fatally stabbed on Barlow Street in Barkerend (Image: Newsquest)

West Yorkshire Police said the force had established that an "incident of violent disorder took place on Barkerend Road involving a VW Golf which was occupied by Mr Ishfaq".

"The four occupants of the Golf then fled the vehicle and were chased by a group of males, some of them were armed with weapons," said a spokesperson. 

Police said Mr Ishfaq was beaten and stabbed on Barlow Street before the suspects then fled the scene.  

Mr Ishfaq’s family paid tribute, calling him a “kind-hearted and loyal man” who was a “much-loved son, brother, and friend to so many”.

“I knew him,” said Rauf Ayub, owner of the Dial A Roti takeaway, on Browning Street.

Dial A Roti was a Barkerend takeaway frequented by stabbing victim Luqman Ishfaq (Image: Newsquest)

“He was a customer of mine. He came down here from Gladstone Street to pick up food.

“I’ve been in Barkerend for 22 years and there are a lot of family ties here.

“I’ve known him since he was younger. He used to come here after school and he and his family would come for food.

“I’ve known the family since I opened my business.

“It’s sad story, and we don’t know what’s behind it but whatever it was you just don’t kill a young lad over it. I feel sorry for him.”

Within one cordon on Harewood Street, opposite Mr Ayub's business - which closed at 9.30pm - a garden wall had been severely damaged by a significant impact.

Mr Ayub said his CCTV didn't cover that part of the street, but he said he "wanted to help police are much as I could". 

Other people have spoken to the T&A about Monday night’s incident, including one Bradford man who had lived in Barkerend many years ago but still retained close ties with businesses in the area.

He said: “This area is known for gang-related activity and every so often there is a shooting or something like this.

“My kids were young, so I moved out of the area 30 years ago. I’m glad I did.

“I wanted to take them away from here because when kids are young they can be easily influenced.

“I used to love this area, and I still come back to eat in the restaurants and get my hair cut.”

Another man, who has lived in Barkerend for 20 years, said: “This incident was bad news, but I just mind my own business.

“Everybody knows everybody around here, but everyone gets on with each other.”