The family and friends of a Bradford taxi driver who was killed when his cab collided with a petrol tanker have paid tribute to a "decent, loving guy".

Mohammed Shaifta, 25, of Leamington Street, Manningham, was described by relatives as a "popular, intelligent man" who will be badly missed by all who knew him.

The chemistry graduate died when his Vauxhall Cavalier taxi hit the tanker in Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, at 8.15pm on Thursday.

He had been a taxi driver for 12 months to earn money after he left Huddersfield University, where he had studied for a degree and an MPhil in Chemistry.

One of his best friends, Imran Ramzan, 26, of Manningham, today paid tribute to the man he grew up with.

Mr Ramzan said: "He was like a brother to me. He was a very decent guy and one of the nicest people you could ever meet.

"I've never heard anyone saying a bad word about him. He's not the kind of person who would ever pick a fight or an argument.

"He was a very bright lad and always worked very hard. Everybody knew him and he had many friends.

"No-one can believe what's happened. The news really hasn't sunk in yet."

Mr Ramzan added that Mr Shaifta was planning to travel to America, where he had relatives, to find employment.

He leaves a wife, a two-year-old son, a brother and a sister.

Relatives are stunned by the news of the accident and are still trying to come to terms with his death.

His father, Mohammed Taj, 45, said his son would be badly missed.

"It's going to take us a long time to get over this," he said.

Mr Shaifta was a pupil at Belle Vue Upper School before going to Huddersfield University. Police are still appealing for information about the crash.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact PC Neil Hirst, of Dewsbury Police Road Traffic Department, on 01924 421046/7.

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