Hundreds of people packed into a Bradford mosque to say funeral prayers for have-a-go hero Tasawar Hussain who was shot dead as he chased two men after a robbery.

Yesterday mourners of all ages and from all communities prayed for Mr Hussain, 36, his pregnant widow Naila and daughter at the Hanfia mosque in Manningham.

A picture by his daughter Haarisah, five, showed her holding hands with her mum and dad with the words "We love you Daddy."

The funeral prayers took place after Friday prayers and roads were closed as police re-routed traffic away from the mourners.

The funeral prayers began at 2pm and short speeches were made by leading police officers.

Melvyn Smith, chairman of West Yorkshire Police Authority, said he had come along to give his condolences to the family for a very brave man.

"His actions touched the hearts of people not only in West Yorkshire. This man gave his life in the service of the community."

Detective Superintendent Allan Doherty, who is leading the investigation into Mr Hussain's death, also praised his brave actions.

"Without a doubt he acted immediately and instinctively. He knew something was wrong and he never stopped to think about the consequences. He decided to help and because of that we recognise he was a very brave man.

Det Supt Doherty said Prime Minister Tony Blair had praised Mr Hussain's bravery in the House of Commons and he promised that he would receive a posthumous award for his actions.

Inspector Martin Baines, community relations officer, also made a short speech saying that he too had come to pay tribute and stand shoulder to shoulder with the community at this very sad time.

"He was indeed a very brave man and a tremendous example to the whole of Bradford and we will remember him in our hearts and prayers."

Mr Hussain's widow Naila, who called Tasawar 'my shining star', broke down in floods of tears after she viewed her husband's body and had to be led out of the mosque. Her grief-stricken sisters tried to help her but she was inconsolable.

Women wept as his coffin was displayed and said prayers for him.

Head Imam, Mufti Hasan Raza led prayers and spoke of the death of an innocent and prayed for peace for him and his family.

"We pray for peace for him in his grave and in the Hereafter, we pray for peace and patience for his family," he said.

After the 20 minutes prayers and recitation from the Holy Quran, members of the community spoke about how they will remember Mr Hussain, of Camellia Mount, Lidget Green.

A young neighbour, Adil Akram, 14, said: "He was really nice and kind. One time I noticed he had left his car lights on and I went to tell him and he pulled out a £5 note and gave it to me. He was nice like that, I will remember him as a good person."

Choudrey Asif Ali, 32, who hails from the same village of Mirpur as Mr Hussain, said he had known the family for years.

"I came here because I wanted to pay my respects. Tasawar was a good, decent family man and this is heart-breaking. The funeral made me very sad thinking of all the lives that have been ruined. But we have to put our faith in God."

After the funeral the cortege, pictured, travelled to Scholemoor cemetery where male relatives and family friends paid their final tributes.

An inquest into Mr Hussain's death was opened and adjourned yesterday by assistant deputy coroner James Turnbull pending the outcome of criminal proceedings.

Two men have been charged with his murder.